Collaborative divorce is a positive, solution-oriented approach in which the parties and their lawyers agree to work together to resolve issues and reach a fair agreement without the threat of going to court.  Although each party has a lawyer to act as his or her advisor and advocate, the focus is on mutual, client-driven creative problem solving.  The parties and their lawyers work cooperatively to gather facts and documentation to have a full, honest and open voluntary exchange of information.  Issues are resolved without the risk and emotional turmoil that usually accompany divorce.  Working together, they strive to dissolve the marriage in a way that addresses everyone’s legal, financial, psychological, spiritual and emotional needs. 

In collaborative divorce, both parties and their attorneys sign an agreement at the beginning that they will work cooperatively and not use the court or the threat of going to court.  The lawyers are disqualified from ever representing their clients in court if either party breaks the agreement.  The agreement creates a cooperative spirit in which the parties and their lawyers are invested in the process. The parties retain control of the process, stress is reduced and efficiency is greatly increased.