The Massachusetts Collaborative Divorce Difference

Collaborative divorce differs from the other two ways to divorce -- adversarial (court involved) divorce and divorce mediation.

In adversarial divorce your attorney and your spouse's attorney must be concerned that a settlement will not occur and a trial will be necessary. Trials are costly- financially and emotionally -- because both attorneys must prepare for trial while negotiating for settlement. This may lead to two sets of costly experts to value real estate, pensions and other property, while attorney's fees grow and tension increases between the parties.

Collaborative Divorce is Not Mediation

Collaborative divorce is what most divorcing persons think mediation is. It is not.

In divorce mediation, usually you and your spouse meet alone with a divorce mediator. The mediator cannot act as your lawyer. Even if the mediator is a lawyer, the mediator cannot give mediating parties legal advice.

Not All Attorneys Are Collaborative Divorce Attorneys

Not all attorneys are trained in collaborative divorce. This site was created to help you find a trained North Shore Collaborative Divorce lawyer.