Divorce sucks. There is really no other way to say it. If you’d like it to suck less, consider a Collaborative Divorce Process.

In order to work within the Collaborative Divorce process, each attorney must have taken a multi-day, intensive collaborative training. Attorney Tasha Schaffner has completed this training and has been handling collaborative divorces for well over a decade.

Yes, you can choose to work through your divorce in a way where both you and your spouse agree to put the best interests of the entire family at the forefront. Yes, you can agree that you will handle this difficult life transition without litigation and the courts. 

When the parties agree to a Collaborative Divorce, they take the decision-making away from judges, and give themselves complete control of the process. Each party partners with their own respective attorney who can combine their efforts with neutral, trained professionals which include, licensed mental health professionals, child psychologists and financial consultants. 

Attorney Tasha Schaffner had the chance to sit down and talk with one of these professionals, Mary Gina Conner, Owner of Wellspring Psychological Services and a licensed, clinical social worker, on what she thinks of the collaborative divorce process and the benefits afforded those who decide to take this route instead of the traditional, litigated divorce. Mary Gina states “Divorce splits the family in harsh way. A collaborative divorce is a much softer approach and the children and family are primary in this process.”

To listen to the conversation, please click here:  Conversation with Mary Gina Connor

As a collaboratively trained, licensed, clinical social worker, Mary Gina can assist in the process by serving in several different roles:

1. Assist one or both parties deal with the stress of the situation. Think of this as a “divorce coach.”
2. Serve as a neutral party who helps ensure everyone stays committed to the goals that were decided at the beginning of the process.
3. As a family specialist, she can assist with the development of the Parenting Plan to make sure the plan is in the best interest of the children.

The decision to divorce is not an easy one. Most people do not envision their divorce when they are saying their vows. As a party to a divorce process, you have the opportunity to make this situation less contentious, by choosing a Collaborative Divorce process.

To learn more about the Collaborative Process in Northern Kentucky, click here.

To learn more about the Collaborative Process in Cincinnati and other surrounding counties in Ohio, click here.

Ms. Schaffner is licensed in both states and is a member of both Collaborative groups.

To learn more about Wellspring Psychological Services, click here.