Collaborative
Practice

The collaborative approach is a voluntary process of separation (for both marriage and common-law) in which both people agree to settle out-of-court.

Unlike mediation, both parties are represented individually and retain their own lawyer (who is also collaboratively-trained). It’s an excellent option for those who prefer individual representation and want to remain out of court.

Oftentimes, these cases can still involve high levels of conflict or complicated financial situations, but we aim to steer away from an adversarial divorce. To help achieve this, we might bring in external experts, such as financial advisors, social workers, and therapists. Instead of paying a lawyer for these services, we get the experts to weigh in, allowing us to reach solutions faster, more accurately, and in a more cost-effective way than going to court.

While going to court can be extremely lengthy, expensive, and emotionally taxing, the collaborative approach allows for more creative options that take into account the people involved, and their unique needs.

Don’t let the word “collaborative” confuse you though—you’re not throwing in the proverbial towel. In the collaborative process, you have a lawyer who is on your side and advocating for you while coaching you to be wise and realistic through moments of rising conflict. You have the benefit of your own individual representative going to bat.

Interested in learning more about the collaborative process?

Watch this helpful video explaining how it works.

Our Collaborative Process

Step 1

Following your complimentary 15-minute consult, we meet for an initial meeting and assess if this process is the best approach. We’ll get an understanding of your background, provide legal information, and design what the process may look like. You’ll have clarity and a strong sense of what to do next.
Step 2

Discuss whether the other partner is agreeable to pursuing the process, or receive coaching on how to get them on board with enlisting a collaborative lawyer.
Step 3

Retain any neutral parties that need to be brought in (e.g., financial professional, social worker, etc.).
Step 4

Sign a participation agreement and conduct a joint meeting to discuss goals, begin to review finances, and set any interim plans.
Step 5

Begin meetings to negotiate the terms of the separation agreement. This step may be the longest, depending on how much time is needed to arrive at an agreement that both people feel good about.
Step 6

The lawyers draft and you sign the final separation agreement.

Benefits of Collaborative

The collaborative approach is often less expensive than court—you won’t have to pay us to sit in a chair for hours while a judge decides everything. It’s also far better value. Our time is spent on you, working together to find creative outcomes, protect relationships, and customize agreements.
Resolutions can be reached much faster than years spent in court.
While cases in court are a matter of public record, the collaborative approach ensures complete privacy.
You retain a sense of control. There won’t be a judge enforcing an outcome on you and your family.
The legal system doesn’t always take into account unique personal situations, which you and your partner are far more aware of and better equipped to make decisions on. The collaborative process allows for creative results.

Collaborative or Mediation:
which is best for you?

Learn more

FAQs

Please take a read here. We would then love to chat with you about it!
No matter the process you’re in, your relationship with your lawyer is strictly confidential and you have solicitor client privilege. This is the same for the collaborative process.
We regularly work with high conflict families. Each family and level of conflict is unique and we customize the process to meet the needs of your family.
A divorce is an over the counter process that unmarries you. If you are married, you can choose to hire us to do this after your separation agreement is signed.