Collaborative Practice is a solution-oriented approach for clients determined to prevent permanent damage to relationships -- even difficult relationships. Characterized by dignity and fairness, Collaborative Practice is especially useful in divorce, child custody, and civil disputes where parties agree to maintain collaborative standards. The effects of divorce on children and the quality of life after divorce are especially relevant in Collaborative Practice.

Each client has the support, protection and guidance of his or her own lawyer. In addition, the couple may select a team of divorce coaches, neutral financial specialists, and child specialists, who are specially trained and experienced in divorce issues. The couple has the option of starting their separation/divorce with the professional with whom they feel most comfortable. With help and recommendations, they then choose the other professionals they will need on their team.

Once the team is assembled, clients can expect the professionals to work together in close communication, strategizing along the way as to the best ways to address the issues in need of resolution. Clients find that agreements that they come to together with the help of their professionals are much more likely to hold up over time and during practical usage. This is because they have invested their energy and ideas during respectful dialogue into understanding each other's needs and their children’s needs together.

Collaborative Divorce  is distinguished from traditional litigation by its inviolable core elements. These elements are set out in a contractual commitment among the clients and their chosen collaborative professionals to:

  • Negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement without using court to decide any issues
  • Engage in full disclosure of all financial information
  • Listen to one another and negotiate in good faith and respect
  • Commit to give primacy to the children's needs, when there are children involved

Collaborative Divorce is particularly satisfying for clients who wish to preserve the family relationships in as respectful and honorable a way as possible, restructuring rather than dissolving the family. Clients can be assisted to cooperate as much as possible, even during a very stressful time, and children’s needs can be addressed sensitively and personally.

Click one of the following links to read more details about the roles of each member of our team.

Role of the Collaborative Attorney
Role of the Collaborative Divorce Coach
Role of the Collaborative Child Specialist
Role of the Collaborative Financial Specialist