Collaborative Divorce is a dispute resolution process, recognized in Washington law, to help you and your spouse reach an agreement in your divorce. 
Collaborative Divorce can be appropriate when you and your spouse desire to reach an agreement and you need professional support to help you get there. In the process, each of you hires a lawyer who is trained and skilled in Collaborative Law. The lawyers’ sole focus is to help you and your spouse reach agreements on all issues. Collaborative lawyers are legally prohibited from going to court on contested issues, but handle all the legal aspects related to your agreements. By prohibiting court fights, the lawyers’ incentives are aligned with your desires to reach agreement. In addition to a Collaborative lawyer for each party, there is normally also a neutral financial specialist and a divorce coach who work as part of an interdisciplinary team with the lawyers in a Collaborative Divorce. These professionals assist with the financial and emotional aspects that accompany every divorce. Like mediation, in a Collaborative Divorce all efforts are on reaching an agreement that is mutually acceptable. Unlike mediation, you each have a trained lawyer who is part of the process and other professionals to assist.