The collaborative process offers more support for clients and/or cases that need it. In a collaborative divorce, each party has their attorney with them every step of the way. All negotiations are done with both parties and their lawyers present. The process usually also includes divorce coaches (see below). The process may also include a child specialist and/or a financial specialist. Each professional in a collaboration is looking out for the welfare of the entire family.

In a collaborative divorce, both husband and wife and their attorneys sign a written agreement to fully disclose all relevant information and not to go to court. If either party chooses to withdraw from the collaborative process, both parties will need to hire new litigation lawyers.

This agreement removes the explicit or implied threat -- often present in litigated divorce cases -- to "agree to all my demands or I'll see you in court." Both parties and their lawyers in the collaborative process thus have great incentive to stick with the process to reach full agreement on all issues.

In most collaborative cases each party will have their own divorce coach. The coaches help the parties communicate more effectively with one another and work through some of the emotions that are part of divorce. The goal of the coaching is to help each party come to the negotiation table ready and able to communicate effectively to resolve the divorce issues.

The collaborative team may also include a child specialist (where applicable) and/or a financial specialist, as needed.

Natalie offers a free 1/2 hour consultation to discuss the collaborative process and whether it is the right process for your case. Click Here to fill out a response form to receive a call from our office to set up your free consultation and/or to receive additional written materials.