Collaborative Divorce: An Interdisciplinary Approach

The collaborative divorce is an interdisciplinary approach to divorce because of its interdisciplinary nature. We bring together a team of highly qualified professionals to help guide and support you through the divorce process.

After securing legal representation for each spouse, the spouses and their attorneys enter into an agreement to work together to resolve all of the issues of the divorce, including child custody, child support, spousal support and property division.

It is important to understand that the collaborative divorce approach does not involve fighting. It is part of the agreement that neither of the spouses, or their collaborative divorce attorneys will not engage in an adversarial process. The goal is to work together to create the best resolution for your family as possible, in a peaceful environment.

In addition to each spouse and their respective attorneys, additional professionals are brought into the team to streamline to divorce process.  A financial planner, who acts a financial neutral will gather and assimilate all important financial information such as income, assets, business valuation, and debts. Using a financial planner to gather this information also makes the collaborative divorce process less expensive than traditional litigation.

The team will also utilize the experience of a mental health professional to assist in reducing stress and improve the efficiency of communication. This person does not provide counseling for either party, and only aids in communication. If either party should need counseling services, referrals to experienced counselors will be given.

The collaborative divorce team works together to make the best decisions possible for each individual and for their families. And while divorce is difficult, this approach works well if you have children because it allows them to see that their parents can still work together in a cooperative, peaceful manner.
The interdisciplinary approach of collaborative divorce offers many benefits to those facing divorce. With over 40 years of family law experience, I helped to introduce these benefits to Missouri in 2001, and have seen the good it has done for couples in our city. Contact me, Hugh O’Donnell, to schedule a consultation or feel free to call at (816) 533-5152 to discuss any questions you have regarding your divorce.