Collaborative Divorce

Divorce doesn’t have to take place in a courtroom. 

Collaborative law allows for a team-based avenue removed from the processes of a traditional divorce. Unlike mediation or litigation, collaborative divorce utilizes a team of specially-trained professionals across multiple disciplines to help both parties to address their needs, while accounting for the overall needs of everyone affected by the process. 

The couple does the decision making, with a focus on achieving mutual goals and creating the best possible situation for everyone in the restructured family.

What is collaborative divorce?

Collaborative divorce involves two separate attorneys from separate law firms, each representing a client. These attorneys must be specially trained in the collaborative law approach, which is a different set of skills than a traditional family law attorney. These attorneys work with a team of professionals including a financial neutral, divorce coaches and child specialists. 

All of these parties work together toward the ultimate goal of minimizing conflict and cost for the couple. The collaborative divorce team works toward a solution the couple crafted themselves.

Who is a good candidate?

Good candidates for collaborative divorce are willing to work in tandem, be flexible, and be open to unconventional avenues of problem-solving. This is important because once the collaborative divorce process is started, a participation agreement must be signed. If at any time either party withdraws from the proceedings over a dispute or threatens to go to court, the process must begin again with an entirely new team of attorneys and professionals. Collaborative divorce participants must be focused on mutually beneficial outcomes.

What is the process?

Collaborative divorce is focused on the financial and emotional goals of your family, and every step of the proceedings is moving toward those goals. 

Each party meets with their attorney in private to articulate what they hope to achieve, and those attorneys, along with the team of experts, work to find a path forward that allows the best possible outcome for both parties. 

If conflicts arise, counselors, coaches, and child advocates may be brought into the process to ensure both parties maintain an understanding of each other’s perspectives, needs, and personal challenges.