Collaborative Practice is a new way for a divorcing couple to work as a team with trained professionals to resolve disputes respectfully and equitably, without going to court.

The goal of Collaborative Practice is to help divorcing and separating couples to focus on their most important goals, especially their children, throughout the divorce process. The end result is a more efficient, targeted and productive way to resolve disputes.

Collaborative Practice promotes respect and keeps spouses in control of the process, not judges. It addresses each couple's unique concerns, as opposed to litigation which is driven by the general rule of law meant to apply to all. Because clients agree not to go to court, the process is more open and less adversarial. The goal is to enhance communication throughout the process and lay the foundation for a healthier relationship after the divorce.

Couples work together with a team of collaboratively trained professionals, who are experts in their own field, to help make decisions about the legal, financial and emotional issues. Collaborative Practice is based on three principles:

1.       A pledge not to go to court
2.       An honest exchange of information by both spouses
3.       A solution focusing on the highest priorities of both spouses and their children

The collaborative approach to divorce is unlike any of the traditional mediation and litigation models. In the collaborative process, spouses learn a framework for effectively communicating their concerns. In working together with a team of collaborative professionals, clients find constructive solutions for many of the issues of divorce and establish meaningful goals for the future.

Ultimately Collaborative Practice is a financially more responsible and efficient way to divorce. In most cases, it is less expensive and takes less time. Most importantly, it values healthy future relations because it recognizes that Divorced Families are Still Families.

Print the  Collaborative Practice Knowledge Kit  for more detailed information.


Visit the Local, State, and National Websites:

Collaborative Divorce Solutions of Virginia Peninsula

Collaborative Divorce Solutions of Tidewater

Virginia Collaborative Professionals

International Academy of Collaborative Professionals

Watch SPARE THE CHILD by the Virginia State Bar Family Law Section


Additional Resources:

Books and Videos about Collaborative Practice