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What's the Best Type of Divorce?
The best option for you and your children is the one with the least amount of conflict and bickering possible, which would be mediation. Divorce collaboration is a more formal process and usually more expensive, but since it, too, focuses on bringing about a civil resolution and settling out of court, it's another good option. Long-term studies show no significant differences in the child's adjustment between parents who use lawyers or mediators to settle their differences. (Emory & Dillon, 1996)
As you get up into the other two types, the situation grows more complex, and usually nastier. These are generally contentious divorces where the spouses are anything but civil, and their battles may be fought in the public record of a courtroom. There are situations where such litigation might be necessary (or it may be forced upon you), but otherwise couples should regard these more serious options as a method of last resort.
Different types of divorce across different states and jurisdictions
It should also be said that each state has its own set of laws governing divorce. In the United States, these different regulations will follow the same basic outline provided in this chapter, although details will vary from state to state. Other countries also tend to offer variations of these types of divorce, but some may have rules that are quite different. So after reading this chapter and getting an understanding about the premise behind each variation of divorce, you'll need to consult your lawyer or do some self-research to learn the specifics about divorce laws in your state.
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