Collaborative Divorce
Collaborative divorce is a method of alternative dispute resolution that involves a non-adversarial approach to divorce in order to help clients settle their disputes without litigation. This divorce model was created by Stu Webb in the 1980’s and continues to be developed by the International Association of Collaborative Professionals. Attorneys in collaborative practice support and protect their clients throughout the process with an eye toward a solution that is satisfying and constructive for all parties involved.
In collaborative divorce, the parties involved pledge not to go to court until they attempt to reach an agreement without the threat of legal proceedings. The divorce settlement agreement is reached through in person collaborative meetings that allow an open exchange of ideas, priorities, and needs with the goal of creating a mutually agreeable solution. In order to practice collaborative divorce, counsel must go through an intensive training process that acquaints them with the standards, ethics, and principles of the collaborative practice. Both Ms. Mackenzie and Mr. Assaf are among the first attorneys in the capital district to offer collaborative services.
While collaborative divorce in not an option in all cases, both Ms. Mackenzie and Mr. Assaf feel that this form of divorce offers constructive alternative to traditional divorce proceedings, especially when children are involved because it allows the parties to maintain maximum control over the character of the agreement and their post-divorced judgment lives.
For more information on collaborative divorce please visit the International Association of Collaborative Professionals website.