Divorce with Dignity: The Collaborative Approach

Divorce is one of life’s most challenging transitions — emotionally, financially, and personally. Yet, ending a marriage doesn’t have to mean ending mutual respect or dignity. At DeSantis Family Law, we believe in a better way to separate — one that honors your family’s future, preserves relationships, and promotes peace over conflict. That’s what Collaborative Divorce is all about.

A Better Path Forward

Collaborative Divorce doesn’t promise that the process will be easy or free from emotion. What it offers instead is a commitment to respect and cooperation. Both spouses agree to work together — with the support of trained collaborative divorce attorneys — to resolve issues reasonably and respectfully, without resorting to adversarial court proceedings.

This approach puts the power back in your hands. Rather than letting a judge make decisions for you, you and your spouse retain control over what happens to your property, finances, and most importantly, your children. The goal is a resolution that feels fair, balanced, and sustainable — not one dictated by courtroom battles.

How the Process Begins

The Collaborative Divorce process starts with an important foundation — mutual agreement and preparation.
Each spouse retains a lawyer who has completed formal training in Collaborative Law. Together, you, your spouse, and your respective attorneys sign a Collaborative Participation Agreement.

This agreement sets the tone:

• Both parties commit to full transparency and honesty.
  
  
• Everyone agrees to share all relevant information promptly and informally — without court-ordered discovery.
  
  
• If an error or new information comes to light, it’s disclosed immediately.
  
  
• This spirit of openness and integrity creates trust and keeps the process moving smoothly toward resolution.

The Collaborative Team

Every family is different — and so are their needs. The Collaborative Divorce process recognizes this by allowing the inclusion of third-party neutrals, professionals who offer specialized expertise to help both sides reach fair and informed decisions.

These may include:

• Family coaches and child specialists (mental health professionals)
  
  
• Financial experts (such as CPAs, CDFAs, or CFPs)
  
  
• Real estate or mortgage professionals
  
  

By drawing on this team of neutral experts, you gain access to creative problem-solving tools and practical guidance designed around your family’s unique circumstances.

Interest-Based Negotiation: Cooperation Over Conflict

Instead of arguing positions, Collaborative Divorce focuses on interests — the underlying goals and needs of each person. Through a series of structured team meetings, both spouses share their concerns, objectives, and hopes for the future.

Negotiations are guided by four key principles:

• Honesty
  
  
• Transparency
  
  
• Cooperation
  
  
• Integrity
  
  

This creates a safe, solution-oriented environment where you can work toward an agreement that not only resolves current issues but also supports long-term family stability.

Supporting Effective Co-Parenting

When children are involved, the Collaborative process goes beyond divorce — it builds the foundation for a healthy co-parenting relationship. Parents work together to create a developmentally responsive parenting plan that prioritizes the emotional and practical needs of their children.

With the help of neutral professionals, you’ll learn tools for effective communication, decision-making, and managing future challenges as co-parents. In some cases, the children’s thoughts and needs may also be included in the process — ensuring that their voices are heard in a safe and respectful way.

Divorce with Dignity

At DeSantis Family Law, Attorney Emily DeSantis and her team believe that divorce doesn’t have to destroy families — it can redefine them. The Collaborative Divorce process empowers couples to separate with dignity, understanding, and compassion.

Through honesty, respect, and teamwork, families can emerge from divorce stronger, more confident, and ready for their next chapter.

If you’re ready to explore a better way to divorce — one rooted in cooperation, not confrontation — our team is here to help.