What it is: an alternative dispute resolution process within a divorce. The spouses commit to work together to negotiate a mutually agreed settlement — with lawyers trained in collaborative law — outside the traditional “battle in court” route.
What to know: collaborative divorce can and often also address matters regarding children. Not every attorney is a collaborative divorce-certified professional — it is a special designation and training. If this process is an option you would like to explore, ask us about it (contact →).
The key commitment: both spouses sign an agreement that if the collaborative process fails and the case goes to court, the collaborative attorneys withdraw. That aligns everyone toward settlement rather than litigation.
Watch out for: it only works if both sides engage in good faith. If one party is hiding assets or refusing to negotiate, collaborative isn’t the right fit — a contested track may be necessary.
