Collaborative Divorce resolves issues through constructive discussions and non-confrontational meetings with partners and their attorneys and team members.
The collaborative process requires honesty by both spouses to provide all relevant documents and information relating to their issues. The collaborative process includes the use of specialists if their expertise is necessary to resolve issues.
Teams can include professionals such as financial professionals, mental health professionals, mediators and child development specialists. Both spouses and their collaborative team work together toward a shared resolution that recognizes their individual rights and accommodates the needs of their children.
If for some reason the Collaborative Divorce process comes to an end and the divorce heads to court, both parties release their collaborative teams and hire new attorneys and perhaps other professionals for courtroom proceedings.
Steps in the Collaborative Process
- Initial decisions: If you are experiencing marital difficulties, there are many decisions to make. Collaborative professionals are trained to help individuals or couples evaluate their options in a confidential, honest process. Consult with a lawyer or mental health professional for help with these initial decisions.
- Beginning the Process: If you decide to proceed with a divorce or separation, collaborative professionals work with you to plan our process from start to finish.
- Negotiation: Collaborative professionals will train you in communication and help you break through impasses. If you experience barriers to resolving issues, our professionals can help with financial, parenting, support and other issues.
- Agreements: Collaborative professionals are committed to helping couples make real agreements that both parties can live with and are beneficial to all family members, including children. Marital Settlement Agreements and Parenting Plans are written and filed with the Court in this step, although, nobody appears in Court – not even the lawyers.
- After the divorce: Most families need guidance in implementing and managing their divorce agreements as time goes on. Collaborative professionals can help you adjust to your new family structure and help resolve difficulties you experience over time.
Read more about the alternatives to Collaborative Divorce . . .
The alternatives to Collaborative Divorce
