Collaborative Divorce

What is Collaborative Divorce?
Collaborative Divorce is a new way for you to resolve disputes respectfully -- without going to court -- while working with trained professionals who are important to all areas of your life. The term incorporates all of the models developed since IACP's Minnesota lawyer Stu Webb created Collaborative Law ideas in the 1980s.

The heart of Collaborative Practice or Collaborative Divorce (also called "no-court divorce," "divorce with dignity," "peaceful divorce") is to offer you and your spouse or partner the support, protection, and guidance of your own lawyers without going to court. Additionally, Collaborative Divorce allows you the benefit of child and financial specialists, divorce coaches and other professionals all working together on your team.

In Collaborative Practice, core elements form your contractual commitments, which are to:

• Negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement without having courts decide issues.
• Maintain open communication and information sharing.
• Create shared solutions acknowledging the highest priorities of all.

Who is on “The Team”?
The Collaborative Divorce Team is made of 2 lawyers, 2 divorce coaches, a certified financial specialist, and a child specialist.  The entire team works together to accomplish a peaceful and effective divorce solution that eliminates the emotional trauma and ongoing issues associated with traditional divorces.

Divorce is a sensitive personal matter. No single approach is right for everyone. Many couples do find the no-court process known as Collaborative Practice (Collaborative Law/Collaborative Divorce) a welcome alternative to the often destructive, uncomfortable aspects of conventional divorce.

Will it Work for Me?
If these values are important to you, Collaborative Practice is likely to be a workable option for you:

• I want to maintain the tone of respect, even when we disagree.
• I want to prioritize the needs of our children.
• My needs and those of my spouse require equal consideration, and I will listen objectively.
• I believe that working creatively and cooperatively solves issues.
• It is important to reach beyond today's frustration and pain to plan for the future.
• I can behave ethically toward my spouse.
• I choose to maintain control of the divorce process with my spouse, and not relegate it to the courts.

How Do I Find Out More Information?
You can visit the international collaborative divorce website to learn more about the process: www.collaborativepractice.com
You can visit the website for the local collaborative divorce team, Northshore Collaborative, at www.collaborativedivorcenorthshore.com
Finally, you can schedule an appointment at Northshore Counseling and Wellness with Dr Andre Judice to learn more about all of your divorce options and see which one is the best fit for you!