For people who are getting divorced or dealing with other family law issues, this is an alternative type of resolution process. Those who are in these cases work to reach a solution together with a family lawyer. In some cases, they also have the help of financial counselors and mental health counselors. When collaborative family law is chosen, solutions to family law issues are made without going to court. It is a process that is intended to be less contentious than dispute resolution processes in other types of family law. The ultimate goal is to reach an agreement that is in the best interest of all parties involved, which may include children.

Collaborative family law was originally developed to be used in the divorce process. To use this process, both parties must agree to participate in this out-of-court process. It will not be effective if any of the parties does not respect each other, is already an adversary or cannot comply with the terms of dispute resolution. Both parties will sign an agreement in which they accept these terms. If children are involved, an important aspect of the family law collaborative contract is that they will keep the children out of the dispute and maintain a stable and safe home environment during the dispute resolution process.

The purpose of a family attorney in this process is not to litigate or defend their clients against the other parties. Your role is to help create agreements, offer legal advice, and advocate for your client. Usually each party will have its own attorney. Their attorneys can also help their clients determine visitation and child custody, alimony, division of marital property, and child support. To finalize the outcome of the dispute, the family attorney will present the documents in court.

In collaborative law processes, a professional mental health counselor may be consulted. When parties are trying to create a realistic solution to emotionally charged disputes, these counselors can be helpful. When these situations arise, they can help both parties deal with a variety of emotions they are experiencing in a constructive and healthy way. The mental health counselor can also help each party develop coping skills, how to communicate effectively with each other, and be able to see the situation realistically. This is useful if both parties want to remain friends later, especially if they have children.

Financial advisers may also be involved in these cases. They can help a couple decide how to divide their marital property. They can also help everyone make the most of the assets they have kept. The financial advisor can also offer advice on how each party member can manage the assets they received to provide them with the maximum financial benefit for their future.