In a collaborative divorce, couples resolve problems and manage disputes in a private, out-of-court setting. For parents who face a lifetime of events involving their children, this is a less adversarial process that is designed to preserve a healthy co-parent relationship.

You will be the judge

Even the most cooperative parents aren’t always sure how to navigate every issue they encounter during a divorce. Using a collaborative approach, couples work with an interdisciplinary team of professionals to reach a settlement. Parents can make well-informed decisions based on guidance from:

• Family law attorneys: Both the husband and wife have their own collaboratively trained lawyer who looks out for their best interest while supporting the family’s goals for the future.
• Financial specialist: A neutral financial expert helps to gather and analyze financial information about income, assets and liabilities to help the couple understand their options.
• Mental health specialist: A licensed mental health professional helps parents manage intense emotions so that they can focus on the family’s goals for the future.
• Child specialist: A licensed mental health professional with specific training in child development supports the overall goal to reach an agreement with the children’s best interests at heart.

What parents should know

A collaborative divorce may not work for every family. In fact, this problem-solving process works best when mutual respect already exists between parents. This approach might be a good alternative to litigation if you and your spouse are generally able to settle your differences in a fair and honest manner.