In February, the eight attorneys attended a workshop on alternative methods to divorce. They should have no trouble finding clients. More than 1.1 million divorces are filed annually in the United States, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Collaborative divorce, as it is called, involves lawyers, psychologists and financial professionals working together to reach a peaceful resolution. The focus with the method, said Nolte, is on the children, if there are any, and on each party's emotional well-being.
Cooperation is emphasized.
While typical litigation prevents the attorneys from sharing much information that would help one party achieve a better outcome, in a collaborative law case, there is a broad sharing of information. The cost of a divorce in the courtroom vs. one outside varies. Nolte said she and other family law attorneys cannot quote prices for their clients. But with the collaborative divorce option, couples are not tied to trial dates that are being postponed. But collaborative divorce is not for everyone.