What Makes Collaborative Divorce Unique?

Collaborative Divorce is a voluntary process in which parties settle disputes without resort to litigation. In Collaborative Divorce:

  1. The parties sign a collaborative participation agreement describing the nature and scope of the matter;
  2. The parties voluntarily disclose all information which is relevant and material to the matter that must be decided;
  3. The parties agree to use good faith efforts in their negotiations to reach a mutually acceptable settlement;
  4. Each party must be represented by a lawyer whose representation terminates upon the undertaking of any contested court proceeding;
  5. The parties may engage financial professionals and professionals who support the emotional, communication, and parenting components of the divorce,* whose engagement terminates upon the undertaking of any contested court proceeding; and
  6. The parties may jointly engage other experts as needed.

In Collaborative Divorce, each person, including professionals, commits to:

  • Negotiate a mutually acceptable resolution without having courts decide issues.
  • Maintain open communication and information sharing.
  • Create shared solutions acknowledging the highest priorities of all.* These professionals may be called mental health professionals, communication and family professionals, divorce coaches, communication specialists, or similar terms.–derived from materials created by the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
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