Collaborative Law describes the legal component of Collaborative Practice. It consists of two clients and the respective attorneys that work together toward the sole goal of reaching an efficient, fair, comprehensive settlement of all issues. Both attorneys sign a written agreement that disqualifies/prohibits them as their client’s attorney to participate in any subsequent legal proceedings. The lawyers cannot go to court or threaten to go to court. Settlement is the only agenda.

If either client goes to court, both Collaborative lawyers are disqualified from further participation. Each client has legal advice and each lawyer’s job includes guiding the client toward reasonable resolutions. The legal advice is an integral part of the process, but the clients make the decisions. The lawyers prepare and process all papers required for the divorce.