One very effective form of negotiating a Separation Agreement is called “Collaborative Family Law”, or “Collaborative Practice”.  In order to access CP, the lawyers involved must have formal certification for collaborative practice because the specialized training is a manditory component that empowers the lawyers to achieve successful results . In CP, the clients, lawyers, and sometimes other professionals (such as divorce coaches, psychologists, child experts or financial advisors) work as a team in a fair and respectful process. The goal is to reach solutions for the clients which are mutually acceptable, constructive, and which allow them to move forward with their new lives. 

An essential principle of Collaborative negotiations is that the parties want to settle without going to court or even threatening court.  Before negotiations can begin, both parties and their lawyers sign a “Participation Agreement” that commits them to this principle.  If one party does decide to resort to court, both lawyers must resign from the case. This agreement ensures that everyone works hard to reach a settlement acceptable to both parties. 

There are many benefits of a Collaborative approach.  The issues are resolved sooner and often less expensively.  The clients are in charge, rather than judges or lawyers.  You customize your own solution, so you can be more creative than a court, and you are more likely to be satisfied with the outcome.  It is a private process, so details are out of the public record.