Collaborative Divorce is a process through which divorcing spouses work together with the help of both of their attorneys and one or more neutral advisors to create a settlement that meets their family's unique needs. While any approach to non-litigated divorce might be described as "collaborative", Collaborative Divorce refers to a specific formal process.

The Collaborative process begins with each spouse retaining a lawyer who has been trained in both interest based mediation and Collaborative Law. The spouses and their attorneys sign a Participation Agreement which includes a promise to avoid going to court.  Settlement negotiations occur in a series of meetings facilitated by the attorneys and are governed by mutual promises to act transparently and in good faith,  Collaborative Divorce also generally involves one or more additional professionals including a neutral financial advisor and a divorce coach. 

To learn more about Collaborative Divorce, I highly recommend the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals website, where you will find information on the process and testimonials from couples who have used the process. 

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