both of you are determined to behave in a respectful, ethical manner toward one another in working out the terms of your family dispute.

both of you value a negotiated solution that meets the legitimate needs of each of you after the current dispute is over.

both of you will commit your intelligence and energy toward creative problem-solving rather than toward recriminations or revenge.

produce an agreement better tailored to your own unique needs.

find the process more engaging, more informative, and less stressful than other methods of resolving a family dispute.

...both parties have skilled advisors at every stage of the process who understand how to forge creative settlements. You are never on your own; your counsel is at your side, explaining issues and helping to achieve goals by mutual participation and agreement.

...everyone in the process agrees in advance to work only toward a settlement meeting the main priorities of both parties, which is in the best interest of the post-dispute family. Litigation is never threatened; game-playing and taking advantage are not permitted.

...the lawyers share with their clients a financial incentive to make the collaborative process work. The lawyers have not succeeded unless they help you create a win-win situation. They are out of a job if the process breaks down.

...the collaborative lawyers are concerned about process as well as outcome.

...the opposing counsel and the opposing party are treated as vital parts of the settlement team, not adversaries.