In collaborative law, all parties participate in an open, honest exchange of information in an effort to reach a mutual, lasting and dignified solution

In collaborative law when children are involved, all parties strive to arrive at a fair and healthy agreement that serves the best interests of the children.

Both parties in collaborative law use joint accountants, mental health consultants, appraisers, and other consultants when required, instead of separate adversarial experts.

In collaborative law, attorneys facilitate the negotiations and guide the process to settlement in a structured and efficient manner. Traditional litigation attorneys often view their role in the process as that of a gladiator who must be win a victory by way of a trial.

Although a collaborative approach to family disputes is not for everyone, it generally works well for people who want to:

• Negotiate a resolution to their problem in a respectful and dignified manner
• Maintain the possibility of a future relationship with their spouse
• Co-parent their children in a healthy environment
• Protect their children from the hurtful emotional consequences of a traditional contentious divorce process
• Remain connected with common friends and/or family members
• Take personal responsibility for solutions that they actively helped to create
• Keep the personal affairs and details of their divorce and settlement process private
• Value control and regarding all aspects of the settlement process