According to the America Psychological Association, 40 to 50 percent of married couples in the United States divorce. The divorce rate for subsequent marriages is even higher. Separation and divorce are emotionally difficult events. However, it does not have to be traumatic and destructive. There is another way.

Collaborative Divorce is a team approach to respectively resolve marital disputes without going to court. Each spouse is represented by his or her own attorney. Trained professionals important to other areas of their life are also on the team. These professionals include a Collaborative Mental Health Neutral and a Neutral Financial Professional.

The collaboratively trained Mental Health Professional does not provide psychotherapy, but rather empowers divorcing couples to harness their personal strengths and resources, while recognizing potential obstacles to a successful divorce resolution. The Mental Health Professional facilitates the process of identifying healthy options to achieve mutually agreed upon outcomes.

The collaboratively trained Mental Health Professional provides support to all team members, helping them deal with the intense feelings and conflicts as they arise. The Neutral Mental Health Professional models and fosters effective communication and problem solving with dignity and respect.

If Collaborative Divorce is right for you, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Sammi L. Siegel, Ph.D.