Collaborative Separation & Divorce

In an effort to better meet the needs and to effectively use the resources of separating couples, the Family Law community is increasing the use of a process titled “Collaborative Separation and Divorce”.

This process offers couples an effective and dignified alternative to the traditional litigation process that is based on an interdisciplinary team effort to assist a separating couple to achieve a common purpose.

An Interdisciplinary Collaborative team approach to separation and divorce can include specially trained collaborative lawyers, divorce coaches, child specialists and financial advisors to resolve a variety of dispute topics – whether it relates to support, division of assets or parenting of your children. The Interdisciplinary Collaborative Team Approach can involve as few or as many team members as you need. Each member of the team has professional certification in their own discipline and is also committed to the ethical standards governing their profession. They also have additional specialized training in the Collaborative team process.

The MOST IMPORTANT members of the team are the spouses who are separating. The spouses have the opportunity to work out a reasonable solution to issues, allowing the family to have a say in their future goals.

To engage in the collaborative process, you are required to sign a written agreement to work together at resolving issues without going to court. You and your spouse must be willing to enter into a dialogue to resolve your separation issues with honesty and respect.

The Collaborative team provides comprehensive support and guidance to you through their individual expertise and in consultation with one another. This promotes a timely and coordinated approach to support you in resolving your unique family’s challenges and needs for the future.

A Collaborative Divorce Coach:

· is trained to address the intense emotional issues that often create impasses or unnecessary emotional and financial costs to settling disputes

· works as a neutral party to support the management of the EMOTIONAL aspects of your separation and divorce

· can provide important insights and recommendations to the other team members or facilitate communication between the participants and other involved professionals to reduce misunderstandings

Your Coach can help:

· provide emotional support, resources, education and parenting information to move your adjustment forward and make the separation process easier for you and your children

· promote stressor management, effective communication and conflict resolution skills and strategies to help you stay focused and engaged in a constructive negotiation process

· assist with clarifying your needs, interest and concerns to support your participation in the separation and divorce process and assist in keeping the process moving towards resolution

· clarity your goals, brainstorm options, and identify actionable steps that best meet your needs and the needs of your family

· create a developmentally appropriate parenting plan and work with a child specialist if required in order to facilitate effective co-parenting skills throughout the process and after the divorce is finalized.