SUPPORTIVE

CONSIDERATE

SENSIBLE

CONSTRUCTIVE

MUTUAL

A different way to divorce.

 IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR

 AN ALTERNATIVE TO

 DIVORCE AS USUAL,

 YOU’RE NOT ALONE.

R E S P E C T

Collaborative Practice. It begins with something
you both can agree on: self-respect.
 

  The end of a marriage or relationship can be tragic enough. Often, the process of divorcing only adds to the pain. You and your spouse or partner may come to see each other as adversaries and the divorce as a battleground. You may experience feelings of confusion, anger, loss and conflict. Under such circumstances, you might find it difficult to see an end to divorce, much less imagine a hopeful future afterwards.

  But it doesn’t have to be this way. A growing number of parting couples, along with other professionals such as lawyers, mental health professionals and financial specialists, have been seeking a more constructive alternative. These professionals have developed the Collaborative Practice model.

  Collaborative Practice is a reasonable approach to divorce based on three principles:

• A pledge not to go to court
• An honest exchange of information by both spouses
• A solution that takes into account the highest priorities of both adults and their children.

  Mutual respect is fundamental to the collaborative way. You may cease being spouses, but you don’t cease being worthy human beings. When respect is given and received, discussions are likely to be more productive and an agreement reached more easily.

 A CLIENT – CENTERED

 APPROACH.

C O L L A B O R A T E

A PLEDGE TO COLLABORATE.

  The key difference between Collaborative Practice and conventional divorce is the pledge to reach an agreement before going to court. You and your spouse keep control of the decisions yourselves, rather than giving it up to a judge. In order to accomplish that, all of the parties consent in writing to be part of a respectful process that leads to an out-of-court resolution. With Collaborative Practice, the goal is to develop effective relationships, solve problems jointly, and prevent a court battle.

OPEN COMMUNICATION.

  Even under the best of circumstances, communication can be strained as a relationship is ending. Yet keeping the lines of communication open is essential for reaching an agreement. Collaborative Practice provides for face-to-face meetings with you, your spouse, your respective lawyers and your team as needed. These sessions are intended to produce an honest exchange of information and expression of needs and expectations. When the issues are openly discussed, problem solving can be direct and solutions-oriented.

COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE AT A GLANCE:

• Encourages mutual respect.
• Emphasizes the needs of children.
• Avoids going to court.
• Keeps control of the process with the individuals.
• Provides for open communication.
• Utilizes a problem-solving approach.
• Identifies and addresses interests and concerns of all.
• Prepares individuals for new lives.

www.collaborativepractice.com
International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
Copyright 2004, 2006 • IACP • All rights reserved • Printed in the USA

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