Collaborative Law

Collaborative divorce is for you if you want to end your marriage or relationship in a respectful, private, and solution-focused way.

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Who Should Consider Collaborative Divorce? You should consider this process if you and your partner want to:

• avoid litigation

• maintain privacy

• preserve dignity and control

• reduce and manage conflict

• make decisions cooperatively

 

Who Does Collaborative Divorce Involve?

• both spouses committed to resolving issues cooperatively

• collaboratively trained lawyers who guide and protect each party without escalating to conflict

• neutral professionals when needed including financial neutrals, child experts, and divorce coaches

• families, especially children (minor and adult!) who benefit from calm, stable, and future-focused process

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Collaborative divorce is a strong fit for anyone who values dignity, privacy, and control throughout the divorce process without the involvement of the courts. 

Collaborative divorce is non-litigation respectful and transparent method of resolving all aspects of divorce. This is a process where both parties agree in writing not to go to court. This process prioritizes open communication, shared decision-making, and emotional and financial well-being.​

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The conversation with your spouse should include:​

• a calm and honest introduction to the topic of divorce

• an explanation of collaborative divorce as:

  • private​

  • respectful

  • child-centered

  • transparent

  • solution-focused

• a request for openness, time, and mutual respect

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Avoid... ​​​

• threats or ultimatums

• bringing up past grievances

• reactive or accusatory language 

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Instead of battling in court, you engage in guided problem-solving that protects your emotional well-being, your finances, and your family's future. 

Best chosen when both spouses value privacy, conflict is manageable, and children's well-being is a central priority. It's especially suited to those wanting to avoid the emotional and financial toll of litigation as well as:

• When both spouses value dignity and privacy

• When conflict is manageable and both are open to dialogue

• When you want to avoid the emotional and financial cost of litigation

• When children's well-being is a central priority

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Before initiating the conversation, take a moment. Give yourself the space to reflect on what you really want, not just for today, but for your long-term well-being. Ask yourself:

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• What are my goals in moving forward: emotionally, financially, for our children (minor & adult)?

• Am I emotionally ready to have this conversation without anger or regret?

• What outcome feels fair to both of us?

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When you're ready, choose a private, calm moment where you won't be interrupted. Avoid bringing this up during tension, exhaustion, or conflict. The goal is to create a safe space, not another argument. 

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Bring in professionals​ if:

• communication becomes difficult

• either spouse needs help processing emotional or financial concerns

• when ready to understand the procedural details and next steps

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It is also the right approach when both spouses are open to constructive dialogue and want to preserve respect throughout the transition.

Unlike traditional divorce, collaborative work happens in private, supporting settings, and never in the courtroom.

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The collaborative process happens​​ in:

• joint meetings with lawyers and neutral professionals - not in a courtroom

• private, confidential settings where open discussion is encouraged

• through structured negotiation sessions designed to support calm resolution

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Have the initial conversation with your spouse in a​ quiet, neutral, private environment:

• at home during a peaceful moment​

• on a calm walk

• anywhere free from distractions or tension

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The goal is to create a safe space where both spouses can communicate clearly and work toward solutions that reflect their values and priorities. 

You and your spouse make the decisions instead of a court, with a process built around respect, privacy, and your children's long-term stability. It's often faster, less costly, and more future-focused than a litigated divorce. You will choose this path because it offers:

• Control. You and your spouse, not a judge, make the decisions

• Privacy. The process is confidential, unlike public court records

• Respect. The focus is on dignity, fairness, and constructive stability

• Child-Centered. Decisions prioritize your children's emotional and financial stability

• Efficiency. Often less costly, less adversarial, and faster than litigation

• Future-Focused. Emphasizes solutions, not past conflicts

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Why the Conversation Matters

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• It sets the tone for the entire divorce process

• It can dramatically reduce conflict and fear

• A thoughtful approach builds trust and encourages cooperation

• It increases the likelihood that both spouses will choose a healthier, more dignified path forward

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Collaborative divorce is not about "winning." It is about protecting what matters most: your future, your family, and your peace of mind. To learn more about why the collaborative divorce is a better option than traditional litigated divorces, download the Collaborative Divorce: A Better Way Forward booklet by clicking here.