Resolve conflicts without court.
We are therapists, family law attorneys, and financial specialists providing a better way to divorce through communication and collaboration, for the best interest of each family member.
Divorce done together for the best interest of each family member.
The collaborative process recognizes and understands each client’s needs, interests, concerns and goals, while allowing parties to be heard.
Resolve disputes together without litigation.
Explore options and make choices about your family.
Manage the financial and emotional impact of family disputes.
What is Collaborative Divorce?
Collaborative Divorce allows families to experience the divorce process in a supportive environment without litigation.
Select a Professional Specific to Your Particular Needs
Collaborative Divorce offers you the opportunity to use specially trained professionals from different areas of expertise to help solve problems.
Collaborative Lawyers
What happens during a divorce? What are your rights and obligations?
Divorce Coaches
How will you survive your divorce? Do you feel overwhelmed?
Financial Specialists
Child Specialists
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Collaborative Divorce differ from other methods of dispute resolution?
Litigation is the traditional legal approach. In this model lawyers engage in a more adversarial approach which often includes the judge and/or jury in order to reach a resolution. Often this scenario concludes in a manner that is not satisfactory to either party. However, in some circumstances, litigation may be the only appropriate option. For example, if a party consistently hides information or is abusive, the formal procedures used in litigation may be necessary. If a party is unwilling to negotiate in good faith, the ultimate decision may need to be imposed by a judge. Litigation usually costs more than other forms of dispute resolution.
In mediation, a neutral professional assists the parties in settling the dispute. Generally, the parties agree that all information will be shared. The mediator does not represent either party and the parties do not go to court. In some forms of mediation, representing attorneys serve only in a consulting or reviewing capacity. In other situations, representing attorneys participate in the mediation. Mediation can work well for parties who have the ability to communicate their needs directly to the other person and who are able to understand and analyze the information being presented.
Collaborative Divorce combines the positive qualities of litigation and mediation. As in litigation, each party has an independent attorney who will provide quality legal advice and will assist in putting forward the client’s interests. Drawing from mediation, the parties and their attorneys in the collaborative practice model commit to an open information gathering and sharing process and a resolution of their differences without going to court. In addition, the parties can mutually agree to engage other professionals such as child specialists, financial specialists, collaborative divorce coaches, vocational counselors or other neutral consultants to provide them with specialized assistance. The parties acknowledge that the best result for each of them will occur when they are able to work toward a resolution that resonates with each other.
How do the parties and the collaborative team work together?
Must an agreement be reached in Collaborative Divorce?
Any solution must be voluntarily agreed to by all parties. No party is forced to accept a solution that does not meet his or her interests and needs.
