CDN

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.

With the help of collaboratively trained professionals, the divorcing couple will work

together with the team to create shared solutions to all aspects of the dispute: emotional,

co-parenting, legal, and financial.

The traditional legal process is by its nature adversarial - that is husbands, wives, and their

attorneys working against each other. The threat of litigation is often used as the leverage

to reach agreement. Decisions are made and problems solved only by a judge's order or by

agreement under the most coercive of conditions. The divorcing couple often feels a loss

of control over themselves and their futures. When couples get embroiled in an adversarial

divorce the outcome is often emotional and financial devastation that can last a lifetime.

Collaborative Divorce views divorce as a problem to be solved rather than a battle to

be won or lost.

The Collaborative Divorce Team offers advice, assistance, and support with the legal,

financial, and emotional aspects of divorce. The team members work together with the

couple to prevent conflict escalation. The Collaborative Divorce Team is comprised of

a family law attorney and a communications coach for each spouse, a neutral financial

specialist, and a child specialist, if children are involved.

Family Law Attorney - the family law attorney informs you of your legal rights and

responsibilities, collects data, suggests and evaluates options, and assists you in

negotiating solutions. The attorney files the required documents with the court

once you and your spouse reach final agreement.

Communications Coach - emotions and feelings are strong during the divorce

process. The communications coaches help the couple make constructive rather

than destructive use of the emotions that are present during the divorce. They help

the couple 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 that

they may be partly to blame. They need reassurance, information, and the opportunity

to express their feelings. The child specialist provides this important support during

the assessment process and, at the same time, helps the parents learn what they can do

to support their children's needs during this difficult time.

Financial Specialist - the neutral financial specialist is a CPA or a financial planner

who is trained in the complex financial and tax issues that are present in all divorces. The

financial specialist works with the couple to educate them about the financial issues of

divorce, assess the property settlement options, provide support, and help them address the

future financial needs of the family.

Collaborative Divorce is a solution for divorcing couples who want to:

Avoid legal battles and court-ordered decisions.
Move forward with an understanding of their current and future financial situation
Learn ways to co-parent effectively.

For more information contact any member of our CDN team.

jon@whosdadog.com built and maintains this site