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Collaborative Divorce (also called Collaborative Family Law)

What Is Collaborative Divorce?

Collaborative Divorce, sometimes referred to as Collaborative Family Law, is a respectful, non-court process in which couples work together — with the support of trained professionals — to reach a mutually acceptable settlement. It is designed for families who want more guidance and structure than traditional mediation, but who also want to avoid the stress, cost, and uncertainty of litigation.

In Collaborative Divorce, each person has their own collaboratively trained attorney who supports them throughout the conversations. Additional professionals (financial specialists, child experts, or coaches) can be brought in when needed to help the couple make informed decisions.

This approach is cooperative, transparent, and focused on long-term family well-being.

How Collaborative Divorce Works

In Collaborative Divorce, the couple and their attorneys sign a Collaborative Participation Agreement committing to resolve issues without going to court. This creates a safe environment where everyone shares necessary information, communicates respectfully, and works toward balanced, durable agreements.

The collaborative process helps clients:

  • Reduce conflict

  • Maintain control over the decisions

  • Keep conversations productive

  • Focus on children’s well-being

  • Explore creative options not available in litigation

My Approach to Collaborative Divorce

Because mediation is the center of my practice, I offer Collaborative Divorce in select situations where:

  • Both people want attorney involvement during the entire process

  • Additional professional support (financial, coaching, parenting guidance) would be helpful

  • The collaborative team structure will reduce stress, not add to it

  • The couple feels aligned with a cooperative, transparent model

When a case needs the full depth of a comprehensive collaborative team, I coordinate with — and sometimes refer to — the full-time collaborative professionals in our community.

What to Expect in a Collaborative Divorce Process

Collaborative Divorce generally includes:

Initial individual conversations

Each person meets with their attorney to clarify goals and priorities.

Team planning

The two attorneys meet to prepare for the first joint session.

Joint meetings

Everyone meets together to discuss issues, explore options, and work toward agreements. Sessions are typically two hours and spaced 2–3 weeks apart.

Additional support as needed

Financial specialists, coaches, or child experts may join the team when their guidance would help the couple make thoughtful decisions.

The structure remains flexible depending on the couple’s needs.

When Collaborative Divorce May Be a Good Fit

Collaborative Divorce can be helpful when:

  • Both people prefer having their own attorney throughout the process

  • Mediation alone feels too open-ended or emotionally challenging

  • The couple wants to avoid litigation but needs more guided structure

  • There are complex financial or parenting issues

  • The couple wants to preserve a working relationship moving forward

For many families, Collaborative Divorce offers a balance between the support of legal representation and the cooperative spirit of mediation

Mediation vs. Collaborative Divorce — Which Is Best?

Many families find that mediation offers all the support they need.
Collaborative Divorce is here as an additional option when:

  • More structure is needed

  • Professional involvement is desired

  • The situation benefits from a team-based model

If you’re unsure which path fits your situation, I can help you understand the difference and choose the approach that best supports your goals.

Explore Your Options

If you’d like to discuss whether Collaborative Divorce is right for you, I offer a free one-hour consultation.

 

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