HOW TO GET STARTED

The first step is to share information on Collaborative Divorce with your spouse. This can be accomplished by sharing this website or by contacting the Collaborative Divorce Team and requesting an information packet, which contains most of the information found here. If both of you want to try Collaborative Divorce, here are the steps to follow as you begin the process:

1. Each of you selects an attorney from the list of Collaborative lawyers and a divorce coach from the list of mental health professionals. Call either and arrange an informational meeting which can help you decide whether the collaborative divorce process suits you.
2. Both spouses and your attorneys attend the first collaborative meeting to sign the Participation Agreement that governs the process. If temporary immediate measures are required to maintain stability during the negotiation process, these will be included in the Participation Agreement.
3. Each of you meets individually with your respective attorneys and respective divorce coaches to identify and discuss plans and particular issues relevant to your situation.
4. Both spouses and your attorney attend subsequent collaborative negotiations until you reach agreement. Meetings with divorce coaches to improve communications are held as necessary.

*The above description of collaborative divorce is taken from the web site of
 The Hudson Valley Collaborative Divorce Association