Collaborative Family Law

The collaborative law model of issue resolution was developed as a means of reducing conflict between parties to a divorce. At its core are two specially trained attorneys who view the “marital estate” as something more than just income and assets, and who focus on the shared interests of the parties in helping to form settlements. In a collaborative setting, parties have the freedom to explore creative solutions that better suit their needs and circumstances, which would likely not be available to them through traditional litigation.

In a divorce case, the process can incorporate the use of a divorce coach to help the parties with their emotions and communication, so they can actively participate in their own decision-making and have a future ability to solve problems together. Neutral financial planners are also available to provide information and analysis to help with the decision-making process. A child specialist can also be used to help educate the parents on their children’s developmental needs, mediate parenting plans, or provide other forms of analysis and advice.

The collaborative process can also be used to address other issues, such as drafting prenuptial agreements or resolving post-divorce disputes. While the collaborative process may not be the right fit for everyone, it has been a useful and effective alternative to litigation in many cases.