Collaborative Divorce

In a Collaborative Divorce, the parties work together to reach a mutually agreed-upon outcome without the Court's intervention. It is a different way of resolving family law disputes whereby the parties and their lawyers commit to resolving the concerns through a series of structured negotiations. Instead of the traditional focus on each party's rights and entitlements – the negotiations are focused on achieving outcomes that will meet the emotional and financial needs of both parties.

Here is how the process works:

• You and your partner agree to look into the collaborative divorce process
• You each hire an experienced collaborative family divorce lawyer, and meet privately with that lawyer to discuss your case and how you could benefit by using an Edmonton divorce lawyer trained in the collaborative divorce process
• If you have financial or emotional concerns, you may also meet with collaboratively-trained financial planners and mental health professionals, respectively
• You and your partner sign the Participation Agreement and agree to provide full disclosure – a necessary step as honesty and courtesy are required to make the collaborative divorce process work
• Face-to-face meetings between you and your chosen collaborative family professionals are held to exchange information, define the needs and expectations of each partner – especially concerning the well-being and co-parenting of your children
• Parties work towards the drafting of mutually acceptable terms and provisions regarding financial support and other parenting issues – the work continues until a personalized solution is generated
• The respective collaborative family lawyers confirm that all paperwork has been properly drafted and is legally binding

How do you benefit from this process?

• Collaborative practice is an alternative dispute resolution process that has many advantages
  
• Both parties goals are explored and respected
  
• Your communication with each other will be strengthened for this process and post separation
  
• The needs of your children will be prioritised
  
• You are actively involved in all aspects of your settlement
  
• Participants prefer to maintain control over the separation process and do not wish to relegate this control to the Court
• The process reduces hostility and promotes an amicable future