Collaborative Divorce

A dignified alternative to litigation for families addressing:

• Separation / Divorce
• Child Custody / Visitation
• Spousal Support / Child Support
• Property Division

The essence of Collaborative DivorceSM is the participants’ shared belief that it is in the best interest of clients and their families, to resolve their differences without resorting to litigation.

The Collaborative DivorceSM process uses an interdisciplinary team consisting of clients, two attorneys, two collaborative divorce coaches and a financial and child specialist if needed. This approach integrates the legal, emotional, and financial aspects of divorce. Based on the concept of generating the most favorable outcome for all family members, especially children, the collaborative team assists in resolving conflict using cooperative strategies rather than adversarial techniques and litigation. This approach allows the parties to remain in control of the transformative process while playing the key role in creating realistic and successful relationship transitions.

Benefits of the Collaborative Approach

• Protects children
• Creates a cooperative and non-adversarial environment
• Addresses the family’s questions and concerns
• Creates an equitable co-parenting plan
• Preserves the dignity and self-respect of the parties
• Preserves privacy
• Promotes effective use of time
• Allows the parties to retain control of the process
• Reduces conflict, anxiety and uncertainty
• Addresses interim and long-term solutions
• Promotes the most effective use of financial and emotional resources

Collaborative Team Members and Their Roles

Client:

• Works as the primary team member
• Develops solutions to problems
• Addresses issues directly with the team
• Promotes a successful family outcome

Collaborative Attorneys:

• Examine needs with clients
• Discuss legal options and obligations
• Develop settlement options
• Evaluate consequences and limitations

Collaborative Divorce Coaches:

• Assist clients to clarify concerns
• Help set short and long term goals
• Foster co-parenting relationships
• Manage difficult emotional stages
• Develop communication skills

Financial Specialist:

• Creates realistic financial scenarios
• Plans and budgets for the future
• Assists in the understanding of financial consequences of proposed settlements

Child Representative:

• Listens to and supports children
• Assists parents with children’s needs
• Identifies co-parenting needs

If you’re interested in learning more about the collaborative process, contact a collaborative professional at the following:

• International Academy of Collaborative Professionals website at www.collabgroup.com.
• In Southeast Louisiana: Collaborative Professional’s Group of Southeast Louisiana LLC at www.cpgsel.org or call (504)756-0958.
• Or, contact me directly per email at or phone at (504) 952-9177.
• If you're looking for an experienced male Collaborative DivorceSM coach, contact John Carmody at www.inprocessinc.com / info@inprocessinc.com.

To check out my Collaborative Professional training and experience, view my profile on CollaborativePractice.com.

Collaborative Professionals Group of Southeast Louisiana