Why Collaborative Law?

Collaborative Law is a voluntary dispute resolution process that encourages problem solving, communication and healthy co-parenting. Collaborative Law can empower couples to create lasting resolutions that fulfill their needs and the needs of their children.

Collaborative Law is a way for couples to re-structure their families without court intervention. Children often suffer harm when their parents are in conflict. Collaborative Law provides away for couples to divorce in a way that minimizes the harm to all family members.

In a Collaborative Law process, couples agree to resolve their disputes together, in a respectful manner, rather than having a judge decide important issues about their family. Each party works with a lawyer who has special training in techniques to help the couple design the best result possible resolution for their family.

Collaborative Law provides you and your spouse or partner with the support and guidance of your own lawyers without going to court. Additionally, Collaborative Law allows you the benefit of coaches, child and financial specialists all working together with you on your team.

Additional reading and books about collaborative law and divorce.

Divorce:

The Revolutionary New Way to Restructure Your Family, Resolve Legal Issues, and Move on with Your Life, By Pauline Tesler and Peggy Thompson

The Good Divorce, By Constance Ahrons

Divorce and New Beginning, By Genevieve Clapp Ph.D

Rebuilding: When Your Relationship Ends, By Bruce Fisher

Healthy Divorce: For Parents and Children—An Original, Clinically Proven Program for Working Through The Fourteen Stages of Separation, Divorce and Remarriage, By Craig Everett

The Truth About Children and Divorce, By Robert E. Emery Ph.D

Helping Your Kids the Sandcastle Way, By M. Gary Neuman

Divorce Book for Parents: Helping your Children Cope with Divorce and It's Aftermath, By Vicki Lansky

Speaking of Divorce: How to Talk with Your Kids and Help Them Cope, By Roberta Beyer

Mom's House, Dad's House: Making two Homes for your Child, By Isolina Ricci, Ph.D

 

Books for Children:

Mom's House, Dad's House for Kids, By Isolina Ricci, Ph.D

What in the World do you do When Your Parents Divorce?, By Kent Winchester and Roberta Beyer

A Volcano in my Tummy, By Elaine Whitehouse

Dinosaurs Divorce, By Laurene Krasny Brown

It's Not Your Fault, Koko Bear, By Vicki Lansky

Web Resources:

www.uptoparents.org: A free interactive website for divorcing and divorced parents

www.cozi.com: Free online organizer and mobile app for busy families to help manage their schedules

www.collaborativepractice.com: International Association of Collaborative Professionals (IACP).

www.collaborativepracticeoregon.org: Oregon Association of Collaborative Professionals (OACP).