What is 'collaborative divorce' and is it worth the price tag?
CAhopeful_dawn1 month ago
Saw a website pitching 'collaborative divorce' — separate lawyers for each spouse but a team approach. Is this just expensive mediation?
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✓ Verified answer from a licensed attorney — shown first
Different from mediation. In collaborative divorce, each spouse has their own attorney AND both attorneys sign a 'no-court' agreement — if either side walks to litigation, both attorneys must withdraw. There's usually a neutral financial expert and a neutral mental-health coach for the family. It's expensive (often $15k-$40k+ total) but for high-conflict families with significant assets and kids it can be cheaper and saner than full litigation. For uncomplicated cases mediation is usually the better fit.
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