Collaborative Legal Representation in Separation, Divorce, and Co‑Parenting Matters

As a collaborative attorney, I represent clients throughout Massachusetts in separation, divorce, and ongoing co-parenting and support matters by effectively negotiating with another collaborative attorney in a peaceful, thoughtful process. I also provide advice and representation as a collaborative attorney to clients who are working with another mediator, and to clients who wish to negotiate and sign a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement.

Collaborative representation provides clients with individually tailored legal advice within a friendly, settlement-oriented process. Collaborative lawyers have the training and experience to assist the parties through the negotiation process in a civil and efficient manner, all while effectively advocating for their clients.

What is a Collaborative Divorce?

A collaborative divorce refers to a negotiated divorce process where each party has his/her/their own attorney who has experience and training in the collaborative process. Collaborative attorneys bring an open mind, curiosity, and respect to the process while still representing and advocating for their clients.

The collaborative divorce process requires a commitment from both parties and counsel that in the unlikely event that the collaborative negotiation is unsuccessful, neither attorney can represent his/her/their client in a litigated process. This commitment provides a powerful incentive to settle. During the collaborative negotiation process, sometimes the lawyers negotiate with each other after conferring with the clients. Other collaborative negotiations involve all parties and counsel meeting together in real time, typically on Zoom.

Whether the issue is child-related or financial, a collaborative approach offers each party the benefit of legal representation within a highly motivated settlement context.

CAN YOU REPRESENT ME IN COURT IF WE DON’T REACH AN AGREEMENT COLLABORATIVELY?

No.

I no longer represent clients in litigated matters in Court. In addition, the collaborative process includes both parties’ agreement not to continue to be represented by the collaborative lawyers in the unlikely event that the collaborative negotiation is unsuccessful. Accordingly, if the collaborative process does not result in a full settlement, each party will need to to retain legal counsel or represent themselves in traditional negotiations and/or Court to resolve any remaining issues.

Do Collaborative Divorces Involve Other Professionals?

Yes, as needed.

When appropriate, allied professionals such as a coach to facilitate meetings, a therapist, and/or financial experts provide support, education, guidance, and professional opinions. Involving a financial expert with collaborative training and experience can help lead to a sound financial settlement for both parties.Similarly, a therapist with collaborative training and experience can help develop a parenting plan that focuses on the child’s needs and results in a settlement.

Do Collaborative Lawyers Have Special Training?

Yes.

I completed collaborative law training many years ago and I am by nature a collaborative person. It is very important that both collaborative attorneys have the training and experience to negotiate in a respectful, productive manner. Not all lawyers have skills or inclinations to be truly collaborative, especially attorneys who litigate most of their cases.