Collaborative Divorce

the Out-of-Court Option

We practice in 9 counties: Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe, Genesee, Lapeer and St. Clair.

Collaborative Divorce is an out-of-court, mediation-based process that utilizes a professional team to support a divorcing couple as they strive to resolve their family’s legal and financial issues. In the Collaborative process, both spouses retain an attorney specially and specifically trained to assist in resolving divorce in a collaborative fashion. At the onset, both parties and their attorneys sign an Agreement indicating their desire to reach a resolution outside of the legal system. It is important to note that if the collaborative process is not  successful, the parties are not barred from filing a legal action and seeking a divorce through traditional litigation, (although you will not be able to retain the same attorney).

In addition to your attorneys, your Collaborative Team almost always includes a neutral and/or mental health professional who will assist the parties in realizing their goals, both individual and family-oriented. Your team may also include a divorce coach, financial planner and/or child specialist if applicable to your case. The Collaborative process progresses through a series of meetings with your teams during which you identify goals and issues and utilize strategies to accomplish and resolve them. Honesty and full disclosure are necessary to ensure equity in this process.