MEDIATION / COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE COMMONALITIES AND DIFFERENCES
COMMONALITIES

• Parties create their own path to resolve their differences and make decisions.
• Parties participate in direct discussion with each other to resolve differences.
• A mediator helps contain conflict.
• Interest based negotiations are utilized (versus positional bargaining).
• Parties obtain knowledge and education necessary for the negotiation process.
• A mediator attempts to facilitate a balanced, fair process.
• A mediator makes a concerted attempt to prevent unfair tactics.
• The process depends on honest and open disclosure of information.
• The mediator strives for a balance between the parties and can offer support to a weaker party if necessary.

DIFFERENCES

• Collaborative Divorce is an interdisciplinary team approach that integrates specialists as part of the process.
• Parties are coached individually and together to obtain skills needed for the negotiation process.
• The focus is on the health of the whole family; during and after the divorce.
• The children are given a voice: a child specialist advocates for them and helps parents create a parenting plan that takes children's needs into consideration.
• Parties are given additional support and an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills necessary for negotiation and four-way meetings by having a personal divorce coach.
• The integrative process provides additional structure to contain conflict, change destructive behaviors and create positive change in the family.

P.S. You're never alone—it’s a lot easier!