Each party meets initially with their respective Collaborative lawyer to
discuss individual needs and concerns. Each would sign a Collaborative Law
Retainer Agreement. The couple and their lawyers would then meet in four-way
sessions to negotiate. At the first four-way meeting, all will review and sign a
Participation Agreement and then decide which issues to discuss first. Every
issue – including property division, custody and support – is open for
discussion in these sessions.

The parties and the lawyers will decide if other professionals such as child
psychologists, divorce coaches, business valuators, pension valuators, etc. are
needed to assist the negotiations.

Separating parties benefit from the skills, advice and support of the two
lawyers while striving to work out a resolution in a positive and respectful
manner.

When a settlement is reached, the lawyers draft a legal and binding
Separation Agreement. The Separation Agreement may be filed with the Court or
the Agreement may be converted into a Final Order or Divorce Judgment without
the need to be physically present at Court.