I have been an attorney for 35 years and a Certified Mediator for 14 years. In that time, I have been involved with many divorce matters. Most divorces are resolved through litigation, and some are resolved through mediation. However, there is a third way, which although it has been around for quite a while, it is still a well-kept secret. In my opinion it is a better way, and it is called Collaborative Divorce. It is the brain child of Stu Webb, a Minnesota divorce lawyer, who believed that arguing your case in front of a judge after months of bitter litigation was not healthy, nor productive for any of the participants.

So what exactly is Collaborative Divorce? It does not simply mean a divorce where there is cooperation between the parties. Instead, it is a process whereby a neutral facilitator works with two collaboratively trained lawyers, and one neutral financial expert to help a couple openly and honestly share all of their financial information, and to work out a fair and equitable plan for both parties to go forward with their life in a meaningful and healthy way. In cases where children are involved, this can be especially significant. In this process, there is no need to be involved in the judicial system except to have a judge sign off on the agreement reached between the parties.

The lawyers work with the financial expert and the facilitator as a team. As a result, each member of the team respects each other, and pulls in the same direction so that the goals of the parties can be reached as quickly and as painlessly as possible. There is no fighting in court over money or parenting issues because the parties are not in court. As a result, the soon to be former spouses are much more likely to emerge from this process able to work together in the future in a more amicable fashion.

Let’s face it, getting divorced is very difficult under the best of circumstances. This process has a proven track record of making a difficult situation as humane and respectful as possible. If this concept sounds like it might be a good approach for you and your family then feel free to contact me for more information including a free initial consultation: 303 717 9816.