Separation and divorce are not just about legal issues. Separating couples often have to deal with emotional, interpersonal, financial and child care issues. The Collaborative process recognizes this and provides an opportunity for couples to add the expertise of financial professionals and family professionals (therapists, social workers, child specialists, life coaches and divorce coaches) to their team.

Lawyers are trained in mediation and the collaborative process. Family lawyers provide legal advice. Each client retains a family lawyer to advise them individually. The client consults privately with their respective lawyer and then participates in four way meetings with the other spouse and their lawyer. The lawyers use their non-adversarial mediation skills to assist the clients in reaching a settlement. Lawyers prepare the necessary legal documents to complete the process.

Family Professionals work with the team to improve communication and help to manage conflict. Emotions can interfere with the ability to negotiate effectively. Recognizing and working through emotional blockages can help the discussions move forward in an effective way. A child specialist can help parents develop a parenting plan that is in the best interests of the children, and works for both parents. Family professionals include: therapists, social workers, child specialists, life coaches, and divorce coaches.

Financial Professionals can be retained to assist with the collection of relevant financial information and to explore settlement options. Fear and inexperience can be overwhelming when dealing with issues surrounding finances. With enough information to enhance understanding and improve one’s ability to review the implications of various options, tension can be alleviated, leading to a positive and more efficient negotiation. Financial professionals include: accountants, chartered business valuators, financial divorce specialists, and certified divorce financial analysts.

It is important to discuss process options with your lawyer to ensure you have the support and expertise of the professionals you need. Your lawyer is your advocate and will help, guide and advise you through the process, but the team as a whole works together toward a common goal: the resolution of all issues, to the satisfaction of both parties.

Use the links above to the various professions to access the members of Collaborative Peel Halton Collaborative Family Law Practice Group.