Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative Divorce is a process for resolving family law disputes, such as in divorce and domestic partnership, where two parties work with a team of professionals to craft their own agreements.  Clients work respectfully together to resolve their matter,  keeping in mind the importance of protecting their children and other involved people from conflict. Clients and professionals gather the information needed to reach an agreement. The goal is a win/win situation for all participants. Decisions are made by the clients without going to court or involving a judge or other third-party decision maker.

In Collaborative Divorce, a coach is a mental health professional who helps clients manage a divorce's emotional and communication challenges, promoting respectful dialogue and cooperation within the collaborative process. 

Dr. Deb Gilman has specialized training to assist parties in processing feelings, navigating disagreements, and developing effective communication strategies to reach mutually acceptable agreements on issues like child custody, support, and property division

A Child Specialist in a collaborative divorce is a neutral, licensed therapist with expertise in child development who serves as the "voice of the child" for the parents and the collaborative team. 

My role is to understand and communicate the child's needs, fears, and goals to help parents make child-centered decisions, rather than making recommendations themselves. I gather information by meeting with the parents and children, providing education on the impacts of divorce on children, and helping the family design a supportive parenting plan