Collaborative Divorce, also known as Collaborative Family Law, is a dispute resolution process where spouses retain Collaborative lawyers and agree to resolve their legal issues outside of court.
The goal of the Collaborative Divorce process is to allow the couple to design a comprehensive settlement that suits their family’s unique goals and needs. The couple will work with their Collaborative Lawyers who provide legal guidance and support throughout the process. They may also work with mental health and financial professionals who provide them with additional expertise, guidance, and support.
The Collaborative Divorce process is especially suited to families with younger children who wish to resolve their separation in a low-conflict and child-focused manner.
Collaborative Divorce Vancouver is the main group of Collaborative Lawyers in Vancouver.
The Collaborative Family Law Process – Key Features
1. Participants sign a contract called a “Participation Agreement”. One of the most salient terms of this agreement requires the spouses to agree that if either of them leaves the Collaborative Process and goes to court, then they both must retain new lawyers. This provides couples with a significant incentive to resolve the issues within the Collaborative Process.
2. Involvement of other professionals. Collaborative Divorce may involve other professionals in addition to lawyers. This holistic approach supports couples through the stress and uncertainty of separation. The other professionals that may become involved are:
a. Divorce/Parenting coaches, who assist parents with their co-parenting issues and, where required, devise a comprehensive parenting plan. More about Divorce/Parenting coaches can be found here.
b. Child Specialists, who may become involved if a child is in need of support. More about Child Specialists can be found here.
c. Financial Specialists, who assist with financial strategies such as valuing a family business, devising a budget, and tax planning. More about Financial Specialists can be found here.
3. Focus on transparency and respect. Both individuals are required to commit to respectful communication, good-faith negotiation, and full disclosure.
Collaborative Family Law Solutions
I am a knowledgeable and practical Collaborative Divorce lawyer whom you can trust. I am accessible, which means prompt responses to your questions, emails, and phone calls. My goal is to determine the Collaborative Divorce solution that is best for you and your family. I will advise you on your rights and obligations and equip you with the information you need to make informed decisions.
