A collaborative separation or divorce allows couples to work together toward a settlement, while each having their own lawyers. Together the parties, their attorneys, and sometimes other family professionals, collaborate in an effort to settle their divorce outside of court. This allows the parties to reach a fair settlement that best meets their specific needs, and the needs of their children, without the threat of litigation. This voluntary process is initiated when the couple signs a contract (a “participation agreement”) binding each other to the collaborative process, essentially ruling out court and any future family-related litigation.
Regional Collaborative Law associations exist across New York State where you can learn even more about the practice: CNYCFLP, CDACD and CLARA. Clark Peshkin offers divorce and family law services in the Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse markets.