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Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative Divorce

What is Collaborative Divorce?
The key difference between the conventional practice of divorce and a collaborative divorce is that both parties and all team members sign a contract not to go to court but to work to construct a settlement agreement. This means that no one can threaten to resort to court battles. A commitment is made by all team members to support open communication and solve problems jointly.

Who is on a Collaborative Team?
A Collaborative Team is made up of Collaborative Professionals trained to work with a couple in an interdisciplinary model. The team includes one attorney and one divorce coach for each party and a financial analyst and (when children are involved) a child specialist.

When you work with a Collaborative Team you are no longer alone. You and your spouse are supported throughout the process and afterwards.

 

The Divorce Coach

A Divorce Coach is a role unique to Collaborative Practice. The Coach is not a therapist although all Coaches must hold a valid license in mental health and have been practicing for at least eight years. Coaches are trained to work with an interdisciplinary team. This means that your Coach is your support throughout the process and has access to all members of the team.

In the first few sessions, your Divorce Coach can help you organize your priorities and discuss your issues in a manner that will facilitate the collaborative process. Your Coach may review with you any issues you feel unable to address without becoming overwhelmed and help you to manage these very difficult discussions. After these initial sessions, if you feel ready to handle the specific emotional demands of the negotiation meetings with your spouse and the two attorneys, you may choose to decrease your meetings with your coach. However, some clients choose to have their Coaches participate in team meetings to gain their support.

Couples often work with together with their Coaches using the findings of a Child Specialist to develop their visitation and parenting plan for their children.

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