While Collaborative lawyers are always a part of Collaborative Divorce, other specialists are involved, depending on the family’s needs and circumstances. Such specialists can include child specialists, financial specialists and divorce coaches as part of the divorce team. Clients have the option of starting their divorce with whichever professional they feel most comfortable with.
The clients jointly choose the professionals they need. For example, a couple with no minor children may start the Collaborative Divorce by visiting a CPA trained in the Collaborative Process, while a couple with young children may begin the process with a child or mental health specialist.
The divorcing couple and their children benefit throughout the process from the assistance and support of all of their chosen professionals.
With informal methods such as voluntary production of financial documents, four-way conferences, negotiation, the divorce process can move along in a less costly, less hostile manner. While some lawyers may refer to themselves as being collaborative in style, true Collaborative Divorce requires commitment to the “no court” aspect of the process.
