WHAT IS COLLABORATIVE FAMILY LAW?

Collaborative family law is a process in which everyone agrees to collaborate toward solutions that work for both parties. Collaborative family law is a process that takes place without going to court.

There are some basic differences between the collaborative approach and the traditional approach. In the collaborative approach:

• Both parties agree to stay out of court.
• The emphasis is on creating solutions that address the values and goals of both parties and the best interests of their children.
• The objective is to reach and efficient, fair, and comprehensive settlement of all issues.

Clients are invited to consider and have a say in how they want to resolve matters and how they might best go about creating or achieving positive solutions for themselves, their children, and their families. This can bring about a completely different outcome from the traditional adversarial approach.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COLLABORATIVE LAW?

All parties, including children, benefit from the collaborative process:

• The atmosphere is non-adversarial.
• We work together toward win-win solutions.
• Your feelings and values are honoured and respected.
• It can be far less stressful and anxiety producing.
• It can be much easier on the children.
• The process utilizes your time and financial resources effectively.

HOW DOES THE COLLABORATIVE PROCESS DIFFER FROM MEDIATION?

Mediation allows the threat of court action for the participants, while the collaborative process involves commitment to create a solution without going to court.

WHO ARE THE COLLABORATIVE FAMILY LAW PROFESSIONALS?

The collaborative family law professionals are a network that may consist of family law lawyers, divorce coaches, a child specialist, and/or a financial specialist who work together with the divorcing couple. The extent to which each of the professionals is involved will depend on the unique needs and circumstances of each family.

The lawyers: We are specially trained in integrative negotiation processes. We combine our family law and process expertise to guide clients as they uncouple toward fair and workable legal outcomes without resorting to adversarial courtroom encounters.

The divorce coaches: We are credentialed mental health professionals who have expertise in couple in family dynamics including issues pertaining to separation and divorce. We help our clients successfully navigate the emotional process involved in divorce by ensuring that needs, concerns, and feelings are both expressed and contained. We teach communication skills, address parenting concerns, and help formulate parenting plans. It is recommended that each person have their own coach to assist them during the collaborative process.

The child specialists: We are licensed practitioners with specialized training in child development as well as expertise related to children of divorce. We work as independent advocates for children. Our main role is to focus on your children's emotional needs and concerns during the separation/divorce process and give them a voice at a time of huge changes in their world.

The financial specialists: We are certified financial planners with specialized training in separation and divorce issues. Our role is to clarify your current financial situation and then help you choose the best financial outcome based on your means, goals, and objectives. We will help make informed financial choices taking into account each of your needs, your tax situations, and the long term impact that these decisions will have.

For further information, contact any one of our network by clicking on the link below!

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