Hello

The first step is to set up an initial discovery call with Dominique. This can be done individually or jointly. 

During this call we will discuss your needs, explore a pathway to best suit you and help you understand more about the collaborative process.

The core of your collaborative team will be your Divorce Coach, who will be the keeper of the process. You will also each have your lawyers to advise you along the way.

As you navigate your Collaborative Divorce, you may decide to add a range of other professionals to your team, such as:

• Financial Planners
• Accountants
• Child Consultants
• Family Therapists

Dominique becomes the keeper of your Collaborative Divorce. After the initial intake assessment, she will continue working with you individually and jointly to help you prepare for each stage.

She will also be available to attend meetings with other professionals, including your lawyer.

Further, Dominique will help to ensure that each party adheres to the agreed-upon timing and holds each party, including lawyers or other professionals, accountable.

She will Chair all meetings, assist with brainstorming ideas, and work with each of you as you transition from one household to two. 

She will be available to answer any questions and provide additional coaching and support as required. 

Dominique is your central person guiding you as you navigate your Collaborative Divorce.

Collaborative Practice works best when both partners have a level of respect for each other and are seeking a fair outcome. It doesn't mean there isn't conflict; however, each party must be willing to communicate openly about their needs.

It is not always the right fit. If one party refuses to share information or tries to use the process to pressure the other into accepting unfair terms, collaborative practice isn’t the way to go. Additionally, if there’s a history of abuse or domestic violence, this approach may not be suitable.

Together, Dominique and your lawyer can help determine if collaborative practice is appropriate and ensure your interests are safeguarded.

Through court proceedings or litigation to resolve a family law case, you would go through a sequence of court conferences and hearings. This can take many months or most likely years before you have a final trial where a Judge would make a decision as to how your dispute will be resolved.

Through collaborative practice, you, your ex-partner, your coach and your respective lawyers work together, sometimes with other professionals such as valuers, accountants and child experts, to find out what each party wants and how that can be achieved.

The court is not involved in this process and no documents are filed with the court whilst the negotiations are ongoing. Once you have reached an agreement, you can choose to send that agreement to the court to be made into an order.

Each Collaborative Divorce is different and will depend on your individual needs and the professionals who need to be involved in your matter.

Book an initial discovery meeting with Dominique to talk through your needs.