Collaborative Law is a form of Collaborative Practice – a problem-solving process that gives divorcing spouses a way to end their marriage without the stress, delay, and expense of litigation. In Collaborative Law, each spouse is represented by a specially-trained lawyer. The spouses sit together with their lawyers in face-to-face meetings to identify and address issues in need of resolution. If either spouse decides to go to court to litigate the dispute, both spouses must hire new lawyers. This critical feature of Collaborative Law motivates everyone involved to continue working toward a mutually agreeable resolution.

The collaborative divorce process may also involve other conflict resolution professionals such as mediators, financial planners, divorce coaches, or child specialists. The professionals work together to get the parties divorced without the hostility, emotional harm and depletion of resources that can accompany a long, drawn-out court battle.

If you live in New York City and want a referral to a lawyer or other professional trained in Collaborative Practice, staff in Room 133 at 80 Centre Street, New York, NY can link you to professionals who have agreed to represent clients in a collaborative divorce for a reduced fee, and in some cases, without charge.

Office hours are Monday and Wednesday from 9:30AM-4:30PM. You may also send an email to collablaw@courts.state.ny.us or call 212-428-5592. If Collaborative Law is not right for you, staff in Room 133 can provide you with other kinds of referrals.

If you are interested in Collaborative Law, but are not eligible for reduced-fee or free representation, click on Find a Collaborative Lawyer for a list of professionals trained in Collaborative Practice in your area.

To get more detailed information about Collaborative Law, click on Frequently Asked Questions.