Collaborative Practice is a way for a divorcing couple to work as a team with trained professionals, to resolve disputes respectfully, without going to court. While Collaborative lawyers are always a part of Collaboration, depending on the clients’ needs, mediators, neutral child specialists, divorce coaches, and neutral financial specialists may become part of the clients’ divorce team. Collaborative Practice is ideal for those couples who would like to avoid litigation and the costs and negative aspects that may emerge through the divorce process. Unlike the traditional divorce process where the court decides key aspects of the dissolution of marriage, Collaborative Practice keeps both parties in mind and the divorcing couple retains control of their situation. It is especially helpful when children are involved.

Please be aware that while psychotherapeutic relationships are confidential, professionals in the collaborative process release and exchange information to facilitate a mutually-beneficial and agreed upon outcome.

More information about Collaborative Practice may be obtained at the IACP website. Jacksonville information can be obtained at The First Coast Collaborative Family Law website.

Note: Edna Schaefer, LMHC does not accept responsibility for any content viewed by clicking an external link. These links are provided as a public service for information purposes only.

Edna Schaefer, LMHC is able to assist in the Collaborative Process in the following roles:

If you would like to speak to Edna Schaefer, LMHC regarding her assistance in your Collaborative situation, please use the contact form. Make sure to indicate the attorney(s) that you have retained. If you do not have an attorney, Edna would be happy to refer you to a list of professionals who have indicated they would participate in the collaborative process.