Collaborative Process
The Collaborative Process at a glance:
- Encourages mutual respect
- Emphasizes needs of children
- Avoids going to court
- Keeps control of the process with the individuals
- Provides for open communication
- Utilizes a problem-solving approach
- Identifies and addresses interests and concerns of all
- Prepares individuals for new lives
- Collaborative Practice. It begins with something you both can agree on: self-respect.
The end of a marriage or relationship can be tragic enough. Often, the process of divorcing only adds to the pain. You and your spouse may come to see each other as adversaries and the divorce as a battleground. You may experience feelings of confusion, anger, loss and conflict. Under such circumstances, you might find it difficult to see an end to divorce, much less imagine a hopeful future afterwards.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. A growing number of parting couples, along with other professionals such as lawyers, divorce coaches and financial consultants, have been seeking a more constructive alternative. These professionals have developed the Collaborative Practice model.
Why Collaborative? Choosing to take the steps towards a collaborative approach to divorce can preserve family, be less costly and quicker, improve communication, be a healing experience, develop skills for the future, provide an outcome controlled by the couple.
During individual meetings with your attorney you will gain knowledge of what to expect from them as well as the four way meetings that will take place between you, your spouse, and each of your lawyers. Ground rules and the agenda will be explained to you in simple terms. Financial information including assets, income, and expenses will need to be gathered prior to the four way meeting. Lastly, you and your attorney will assess the needs of children and consider personal interests and goals.
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