Michael Dwyer, a leader and trainer in mediation and alternative dispute resolution in Portland, writes an excellent article on the history of collaborative divorce in Portland. Michael has been a key figure in offering non-adversarial divorce options to clients. He writes about the promise of the growing Collaborative Divorce movement in Portland.
Michael has organized a Collaborative Divorce Summit symposium for November 11, 2015 in Portland. Read his article Collaborative Divorce Comes of Age in Portland to learn more.
Collaborative divorce is a specific settlement option whereby the divorcing parties agree not to litigate. It is a voluntary process that uses alternative dispute resolution techniques to come to settlement agreements that benefit all family members. Each party is represented by an attorney, but the attorneys work in collaboration together rather than as adversaries. This approach also has the benefit of being interdisciplinary in that a mental health coach, child specialist, or financial specialist may be added to the team to assist the parties in reaching agreements. It provides a supportive, non-adversarial option for divorcing. Especially if a mental health coach or child specialist joins the team, the divorcing parties can receive support and assistance learning skills to help manage emotions, communicate effectively, and negotiate through conflicts successfully. The opportunity for parents to have a safe process in which to grieve, build skills, and learn ways to reach agreements can help them transition successfully from spouses to co-parents. The process of reaching peaceful and durable agreements during a highly emotional and stressful time can be truly healing and transformational.
