If you are facing a separation or divorce, the Collaborative Family Law process is an option you may wish to consider. 

The Process itself is straightforward. You meet with your spouse to discuss what your respective needs are, in a respectful, intelligent environment. You both have legal advisors present at every meeting, and the focus is on spending time with you and your spouse with a view to reaching a consensual agreement. 

If deemed necessary, other Collaborative professionals may be brought into the Process to assist you. This may be a financial advisor, child counselor or mental health coach and they will join your team of Collaborative professionals. 

In the Collaborative Process, neither lawyer can threaten to, or actually go, to court. Your Collaborative lawyer is 100% committed to concluding the process by way of a consensual agreement structured by you and your spouse with the assistance of your lawyers and any other retained Collaborative professionals. Both you and your spouse are free at any time to terminate the Process and go to court if you feel the process is no longer effective for you. That, however, will be a decision that only you or your spouse can make. In the event that either one of you makes that election, then all members of the team, including any financial advisors, mental health professionals etc will all be disqualified. You and your spouse will need to retain new lawyers and embark on a litigation path. 

This may be one of the most difficult periods of your life. 

How can I help you?
As you and I work through the Collaborative Process as a team, we will bear in mind our goal to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family. 

What can you expect of me?
I am honest and trustworthy
I am a good listener
I am not judgemental
I am compassionate
I am on your team
I will always act with integrity 

What do I expect of you?
I expect you to be honest and trustworthy
I expect you to participate fully in the process
I expect you to be a team player
I expect you to listen to the members of your team even when things get confusing and overwhelming
I expect you to always act with integrity
Above all else, I expect you to be respectful – of yourself, your spouse and your team 

What can you expect of the process?
No decision will be made without your consent
You will have full opportunity to be heard
You will achieve the best possible result as you define it to be for you and your family 

The Collaborative Process is for you:

• if you want to protect your emotional well being and that of your children
• if you want to protect your financial resources
• if you are committed to working on resolving all issues without going to court; and
• if you want to reduce stress and avoid lengthy, expensive and potentially devastating legal battles