Collaborative Divorce
How it works, what makes it different and what to expect before you take the next step.
A Different Way to Move Through Divorce
Collaborative divorce is designed for couples who want legal guidance and a clear process, but do not want every decision pushed into court.
Instead of starting from conflict, the process starts with structure. Each spouse has support. Information is shared. The right professionals are brought in when needed. The focus stays on working through decisions, not escalating the fight.
This page explains the commitments behind the process, how decisions are worked through, and what may help you decide whether collaborative divorce fits your situation.
Collaborative Divorce Is a Team-Based Legal Process
Each spouse works with their own collaboratively trained attorney and receives independent legal guidance. The spouses and their attorneys agree to work toward resolving the divorce outside of courtroom litigation.
Information is shared openly, and decisions are addressed through structured meetings rather than competing court filings. A Neutral Facilitator or Financial Neutral may also join the team when communication, parenting, or financial concerns would benefit from additional support.
The agreements reached through the process are then prepared as the legal documents needed to complete the divorce.
What Makes the Process Work
Everyone agrees to work outside of court.
Both spouses and their attorneys commit to resolving issues through the collaborative process instead of moving each decision into a courtroom.
Both spouses share the information needed to make decisions.
The process depends on openness around finances, parenting concerns, property, support, and other details that affect the final agreement.
The focus stays on solving problems, not winning arguments.
Meetings are structured to help both spouses talk through difficult issues, consider options, and work toward practical agreements.
The team is built around what the family needs.
Attorneys, family specialists, and financial professionals can be included when their support would help the process move forward.
What Are You Most Concerned About?
Protecting the Children
Get help improving communication, keeping conversations productive, and working through difficult topics with more clarity.
Respect Comes First
Explore a private, structured process built around respectful problem-solving rather than courtroom conflict.
Financial Stability
Understand the full financial picture, preserve important assets, and consider practical solutions for the future.
Clearer Communication
Get help improving communication, keeping conversations productive, and working through difficult topics with more clarity.
Keeping Things Private
Address personal, family, and financial concerns with less public exposure and greater control over the process.
Maintaining Dignity
Work toward future-focused solutions through a process built around respect, transparency, and thoughtful decision-making.
FREE MONTHLY ZOOM EVENT
First Fridays @ Five
Want to learn more before contacting a professional?
Join members of Jacksonville Collaborative Divorce for a focused one-hour conversation about the collaborative process. Collaborative Attorneys, Neutral Facilitators, and Financial Neutrals share practical information and answer common questions about resolving divorce outside of court.
First Friday of each month through November 2026
5:00–6:00 p.m. | By Zoom
Free to attend • Attend anonymously • Open to anyone
Collaborative Divorce for Jacksonville Families
Jacksonville Collaborative Divorce brings together local legal, mental health, and financial professionals who help families move through divorce with more support, less conflict, and a clearer understanding of their choices.