No Court : By signing the collaborative participation agreement, the parties and their attorneys agree to work toward settlement through negotiations and not litigation. Both parties can focus on settlement without the imminent threat of "going to court".

Cost-Effective and Efficient : The collaborative process is generally less costly and time consuming than litigation. Direct communication among team members allows for an efficient exchange of ideas and information. Using neutral professionals (coaches, financial professionals and child specialists) can produce more creative solutions at a more reasonable cost.

Communication is more direct and therefore saves time spent sending and receiving many documents between parties. Also, the proceeding can be finalized shortly after reaching an agreement rather than spending months waiting for a court date.

Cooperative Approach : Each party is supported and represented by his or her own lawyer. The two lawyers work collaboratively with each other to resolve issues.

Clients in Charge : The clients are a vital part of the collaborative team consisting of both parties, their attorneys, one or more coaches, a neutral financial specialist and a child specialist. The clients control the proceedings and the settlement agreement rather than a third party (the court).

Creative and Lasting Solutions : The collaborative team can be flexible and creative when drafting the settlement. Unique solutions can be considered when looking at assets, liabilities, parenting time, cash flow issues, and special circumstances.

Preserve Relationships : The cooperative nature of collaborative divorce allows for the possibility of preserved relationships with the other spouse, and other members of the family. Parties with children can cooperatively co-parent, thereby reducing the negative impact of the divorce on their children.

Support : Support is available for all aspects of the divorce - not just the legal proceedings.