Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative Divorce is a voluntary dispute resolution process in which parties work together to resolve their issues without going to court.

In a Collaborative Divorce process:

The parties sign a Collaborative Participation Agreement that outlines the nature and scope of the matter;
The parties commit to the voluntary, full, and transparent disclosure of all relevant and material information;
The parties agree to negotiate in good faith with the goal of reaching a mutually acceptable resolution;
Each party is represented by a lawyer with special training whose role ends if either party initiates a contested court proceeding;
Divorce Coaches, Mental health and Financial professionals may be engaged, and their involvement also ends if the matter proceeds to contested litigation; and
Other neutral experts may be jointly retained as needed.

Collaborative Divorce allows you and your spouse or partner to receive legal advice and support from your own lawyers while avoiding the stress and cost of court. It also provides access to a collaborative team, which may include coaches, child specialists, and financial professionals, all working together to support informed decision-making and long-term family wellbeing.

In Collaborative Divorce, the process is guided by core commitments that include:

Working toward a mutually acceptable resolution without asking the court to decide the issues;
Maintaining open, honest communication and full information sharing; and
Developing shared solutions that reflect the highest priorities of everyone involved.

Understanding Collaborative Divorce

In the video below, Karin Webster explains what Collaborative Divorce is and how it supports families in finding practical, dignified solutions without litigation.

Learn More About Collaborative Divorce

For more information about Collaborative Divorce, visit the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP), an international association and the Collaborative Divorce Alberta Association (CDAA), Alberta’s provincial association.

Book A Consultation

If you are considering Collaborative Divorce and want to understand whether it’s the right approach for you and your family, you can book a consultation with Karin Webster.

Karin will walk you through the Collaborative process, answer your questions, and help you determine the most appropriate next steps for your situation.