Collaborative Law is a legal process which enables couples who have decided to separate or end their marriage to work with their lawyers, and on occasion, other family professionals in order to avoid the uncertain outcome of court and to achieve a settlement that best meets the specific needs of both parties and their children without the underlying threat of contested litigation. The keystones of collaborative law are:
- A pledge not to go to court
- An honest exchange of information by both spouses
- A process controlled by the clients instead of the court
- A solution that takes into account the needs, interests and highest priorities of spouses and their children
