You and your spouse must be willing to approach your divorce and other family issues in a reasonable manner. After you have each chosen a lawyer who has been trained in the collaborative process, you will sign an agreement with your lawyer. This agreement will provide that your lawyer will represent you only in the collaborative process, and your lawyer will not, under any circumstances, go to court on your behalf.

You and your lawyer will also sign a participation agreement with your spouse and your spouse's lawyer. The participation agreement will provide that you and your spouse agree to use your best efforts to reach a voluntary resolution of all issues. You and your spouse will agree to participate in good faith, with complete honesty, to communicate in a courteous manner, and to honor all agreements reached.

The first step in the collaborative process will require you and your spouse to commit to voluntary full disclosure of assets and liabilities.