Innovation and Creativity in Divorce

This may sound like a joke . . . but it’s not. What do UPS trucks and collaborative divorce have in common? Both use innovation and creativity to solve standard problems in unique ways.   Almost all turns (90%) made by UPS truck drivers are right turns. According to the Washington Post, UPS drivers intentionally make three right turns, instead of one left. The company has found that left turns are inefficient due to waiting in traffic and there is more likelihood of accidents when crossing lanes of traffic. The company has saved money and lives by making three right turns for every left. UPS has used a unique (but relatively easy) solution to provide better outcomes. Collaborative divorce does the same thing for families. People divorce every day. Couples going through divorce have a choice, just like UPS drivers, to head straight into traffic or take a different path. In divorce, “turning left” and heading into traffic is often less efficient and potentially the more harmful route. Couples, however, can choose to head down a more unique and creative path – collaborative divorce. Collaborative divorce is an “outside of the box” option. Collaborative divorce solves the same problem as any other process – a divorce ultimately is a divorce regardless of how one gets there. But collaborative divorce is a different path. By engaging in interest-based negotiations, keeping goals at the center of the process, locking the courthouse doors, and working with trained professionals, couples can come up with unique and creative options that work for them. UPS has found a way to make the greater community safer and run its company more efficiently. Couples going through divorce can similarly influence our greater community. Innovation and creativity can lead to better outcomes for families.  Some particular areas often addressed in a collaborative divorce, include:

• Unique child support or expense sharing arrangements based on historical costs/expenses
• Tax consequences of support options and property division
• Creative financing options for a second home (or two new homes)
• Parenting plan that addresses communication about the children, introduction of significant others, in addition to parenting schedules
• Tracing of non-marital property (pre-marriage ownership, inheritances, gifts, etc.)
• Maximizing property for both spouses

With a collaborative divorce, you and your family can work innovatively and creatively to reach resolutions tailored to meet your needs.