Collaborative separation and divorce is a respectful process for resolving conflict with the help of specially trained lawyers and other professionals, without going to court. At the outset, the participants sign a collaborative participation agreement that outlines responsibilities and expectations for the process. Participants in the collaborative process agree to Voluntarily disclose all information that is relevant to the issues being discussed Engage with good faith efforts to reach a mutually agreeable resolution Agree to be represented by a registered collaborative family lawyer Agree that if they cannot settle their differences, their relationship with their collaborative lawyer ends and they may find a different lawyer to proceed to court Engage financial, mental health and/or parenting specialists if the need arises