Collaborative Divorce is a solution for divorcing couples who want to:
* Avoid legal battle and court-ordered decisions * Find a win-win situation for all the parties involved, especially children * Learn ways to co-parent effectively
Collaborative Divorce is a new approach to marital dissolution. It is a process to resolve family disputes without going to court. It is founded on the concept that divorce can be accomplished in a non-combative manner with respect and dignity.
The traditional legal process of divorce is by nature adversarial, with husbands, wives and their attorneys working against each other. When couples get embroiled in an adversarial divorce the outcome is often emotional and financial devastation that can last a lifetime. In a traditional divorce process children are often the big losers! Hostility between Mom and Dad leave the children feeling confused, vulnerable and stuck in the middle. This can lead to adolescent depression later on, which can last for years and taint the relationships with both parents.
Collaborative Divorce views marital dissolution as a problem to be solved rather than a battle to be won or lost. The Collaborative Divorce Team is comprised of a family law attorney and a communication coach for each spouse, a neutral financial specialist, and a child specialist if children are involved.
This Team approach helps reduce the tension during what can be a stressful time for everyone involved.
Emotions and feelings are strong during the divorce process. As a Communications Coach, I help the couple make constructive rather than destructive use of the emotions that are present during the divorce. This allows the couple to establish open and honest communication that sets the foundation for effective negotiations and co-parenting.
Child Specialist
The interests of children are often overlooked during the divorce process. They do not understand why Mom and Dad are divorcing and often feel they may be partly to blame.
Children of divorcing parents need reassurance, information, and the opportunity to express their feelings. As the Child Specialist, I provide this important support during the assessment process, and at the same time, help the parents learn what they can do to support their children's needs during this difficult time.