Using professionals for advocacy, support and information
“Collaborative family law, collaborative process, and collaborative divorce are terms often used interchangeably,” according to the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. The organization’s website says, “Collaborative practice promotes respect, places the needs of children first and keeps control of the process with the spouses.” 
Ms. Pittella says, “Collaborative divorce provides a method for a cooperative transition where the couple receives assistance in delineating and meeting their needs for the future. (Choosing a Collaborative Divorce Attorney) Collaboration is especially effective when children are involved. The couple hires attorneys who advocate for the client but also are committed to reaching a settlement. The written pledge of the couple and their attorneys is NOT to go to court. The goal is to negotiate — and continue to negotiate — until an agreement is reached. The attorneys are skilled in offering options and securing resources to meet the couple’s interests and needs. If a couple needs additional support and information other collaboratively trained professionals step in to assist with specific issues such as parenting, budgeting, sale or mortgaging of property distribution etc. The couple will have a complement of supportive services to assist them in making the right plan for themselves and their family.”
Click here to see the difference between mediation, collaborative law and litigation.