Resolve everything out of court, with both spouses represented and committed to settlement, no judge deciding your family's future.
Collaborative divorce is a cornerstone of Brigantine Law's practice, and the approach we recommend whenever both parties are willing to engage in good faith. Both spouses retain their own attorney and commit in writing to resolving all issues through structured negotiation rather than litigation. No courtroom. No judge deciding your family's future. You stay in control.
The result is a process that is typically faster, significantly less expensive, and far less damaging to the co-parenting relationship both parties will need going forward. One decision to go collaborative can save months of conflict, thousands in legal fees, and the lasting harm of an adversarial process on your children.
Is collaborative divorce right for you? It works best when both spouses are willing to communicate honestly, even if the marriage has broken down. It is especially well-suited to families with children, couples with significant shared assets, and situations where both parties want to avoid the lasting harm of adversarial litigation.
A structured, out-of-court process, so you always know what comes next.
Both spouses are represented by a collaboratively trained attorney who advocates for them throughout the process.
Everyone signs a written commitment to resolve all issues out of court. If the process ends in litigation, both attorneys withdraw, which keeps the whole team focused on settlement.
Both spouses share complete financial information openly, so decisions are built on the full picture rather than formal court discovery.
Where helpful, neutral professionals such as a financial specialist or a family coach join the team to keep negotiations productive and child-focused.
In a series of joint sessions, you work through property, support, and parenting until you reach a complete agreement that works for your family.
The agreement is put in writing and filed with the Essex Probate and Family Court for approval, finalizing your divorce without a contested hearing.
We guide clients through every part of the collaborative model, with preparation, clarity, and purpose.
You get the calm of an out-of-court process and the security of your own attorney in the room. We will tell you honestly whether it is the right fit.
Talk to UsFree resources to help you decide if this path is right for you.
A few quick questions to gauge whether collaborative divorce fits your situation.
ToolSee how an out-of-court path can compare with litigation on time.
WorksheetThink through a parenting schedule before your collaborative sessions.
ArticleA plain-language overview of how the collaborative process works.
ArticleCompare the cost, control, and conflict of each route to divorce.
ArticleHow the process plays out for families here in Essex and Middlesex Counties.
In mediation, one neutral mediator helps both spouses reach agreement, and the mediator cannot advise either side. In collaborative divorce, each spouse has their own attorney in the room advocating for them, and the whole team commits in writing to settling without court. Collaborative offers more individual support; mediation is leaner.
The collaborative process uses a participation agreement in which both attorneys agree to withdraw if the case goes to court. This gives everyone a strong incentive to settle. If it does break down, each spouse hires new litigation counsel. Brigantine Law will discuss this trade-off with you before you commit.
It usually is. Avoiding contested court hearings and trial saves both time and money, and resolving matters cooperatively reduces the lasting cost to the co-parenting relationship. The exact savings depend on how readily both spouses reach agreement.
It works best when both spouses are willing to communicate honestly, even if the marriage has broken down. It is well-suited to families with children and couples with shared assets. Where one party will not negotiate in good faith, litigation may be the better path, and we will tell you so honestly.
Tell us a little about your situation and we'll reach out within one business day. No obligation, no pressure. Just a conversation with someone who can help.