More attorneys are saying they “offer collaborative divorce.” It sounds reassuring. It sounds peaceful. It sounds like a healthier alternative to litigation. But here’s the truth most families don’t realize, collaborative divorce is a specialized, team based process that requires formal training, ongoing education, and a commitment to a very specific professional standard.
So, what does it mean when an attorney advertises a “collaborative practice” but hasn’t completed the actual collaborative training that firms like WinWinDivorce.org require?
1. It usually means they’re using the word “collaborative” as a style, not a process.
Some attorneys simply mean, “I’m not aggressive,” or “I try to settle cases.” That’s not a collaborative divorce. True collaborative practice follows a structured protocol, includes signed participation agreements, and uses trained professionals in law, finance, and mental health.
2. It means the couple may not get the full protection of the collaborative model.
Without training, an attorney may unintentionally slip back into adversarial habits, positional bargaining, threats of court, or strategic withholding of information. These behaviors undermine the safety and transparency that make collaborative divorce work.
3. It means the team approach may be incomplete or ineffective.
Collaborative divorce relies on a coordinated team: two collaboratively trained attorneys, a CDFA/financial neutral, and a mental health professional. If one attorney isn’t trained, the process becomes uneven. The couple loses the benefit of a unified, problem solving structure.
4. It means the risk of the process breaking down is higher.
Untrained attorneys are more likely to trigger impasse, escalate conflict, or revert to litigation tactics—forcing the couple back into court, which is exactly what collaborative divorce is designed to avoid.
The Bottom Line
If you want the true benefits of collaborative divorce—respect, stability, transparency, and a healthier future for your family—make sure every professional at the table has formal collaborative training. Words matter, but training matters more.
Donald Morris CDFA® Mr. Morris is President of winwindivorce.org. His post-divorce financial planning practice helps newly separated women find their way forward.