The following are some of the important principles that govern the Collaborative Process:

• Confidential process
• Both parties must agree to use the Collaborative Process
• Each party has separate counsel assisting them through the process
• Non-adversarial process where all the participants work together to reach a resolution
• A neutral financial expert can be utilized to reach creative and informed solutions
• A mental health expert can be involved to facilitate the process
• If the parties cannot resolve their dispute in the collaborative process, the attorneys are discharged and cannot represent either party in the court process.
• Requires honesty, open disclosure and financial transparency

Benefits to the Collaborative Process:

• Offers a confidential, dignified, family-friendly approach
• Provides child-friendly solutions and fosters healthy co-parenting during and after the process
• More cost-effective than litigation
• Expert fees and costs are dramatically reduced
• Faster process than litigation
• Ensures that both parties understand their finances
• Ensures that each client’s financial needs will be met
• Brings closure that comes with a mutual and fair agreement