Collaborative Law

What Is Collaborative Law?

Collaborative law is a voluntary dispute resolution process in which both parties:

• Agree to resolve issues without court litigation
• Retain specially trained collaborative attorneys
• Commit to open and transparent financial disclosure
• Work cooperatively toward a negotiated settlement

If the process breaks down and litigation becomes necessary, collaborative attorneys typically required to withdraw, and new counsel is retained.

Collaborative Law Services

Collaborative Divorce

• Property division negotiation
• Spousal support planning
• Child custody and parenting plans
• Child support agreements
• Comprehensive settlement drafting

This structured process encourages practical, future-focused solutions.

Financial Transparency & Neutral Professionals

• Coordination with a neutral financial professional
• Retention of a neutral mental health coach, or two coaches
• Use of child specialists when appropriate
• Structured information sharing
• Efficient issue resolution

Neutral professionals can help reduce adversarial tension, and coaches work with clients on parenting issues, as well as assist clients throughout the process.

Privacy & Confidentiality

• Private negotiation setting
• Avoidance of public court proceedings
• Reduced public record exposure
• Greater scheduling flexibility

Collaborative law offers increased discretion compared to traditional litigation.

Post-Divorce Modifications

• Parenting plan adjustments
• Support modification agreements
• Ongoing co-parenting cooperation

The collaborative framework can extend beyond initial resolution.

Who Is Collaborative Law Appropriate For?

Collaborative law may be suitable for:

• Couples seeking respectful separation
• Parents prioritizing children’s emotional well-being
• Individuals wishing to preserve professional privacy
• Parties committed to full financial transparency
• Clients seeking to avoid prolonged court battles

It may not be appropriate in cases involving domestic violence, coercion, or unwillingness to cooperate.

Who We Represent

Our Collaborative Law practice serves:

• Divorcing spouses
• Parents negotiating custody arrangements
• High-income professionals
• Business owners
• Military families
• Individuals seeking a lower-conflict approach
• Individuals entering into a pre-marital agreement

We tailor our representation to each client’s priorities and long-term goals.

Collaborative Law FAQs

What is the difference between collaborative law and mediation?

In collaborative law, each party has a collaboratively trained attorney throughout the process, as well as a coach and financial neutral. There is a “team” of professionals working toward an agreement that serves the family unit as whole. In mediation, a neutral mediator facilitates discussion but does not represent either party.

Is collaborative law legally binding?

Yes. Once an agreement is reached, it is formalized into a legally binding settlement agreement and submitted to the court for approval where required.

Is collaborative divorce less expensive than litigation?

Often, yes. While costs vary, collaborative law can reduce prolonged court battles, multiple hearings, and extensive discovery expenses. Statistically, a collaborative agreement reduces the need for post-divorce litigation, because the parties have worked on a sustainable agreement in the initial collaborative process.

What happens if collaborative negotiations fail?

If the collaborative process breaks down, both collaborative attorneys withdraw, and new litigation counsel must be retained.

Is collaborative law appropriate when children are involved?

Yes. Many families choose collaborative law specifically to reduce conflict and create child-centered parenting agreements.