Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative Divorce offers a team approach that provides more support than mediation and less hostility than litigation. This process focuses entirely on your family's needs, utilizing a team of professionals who work together to help you achieve resolution without ever stepping foot in court.

How Collaborative Divorce Works

The Core Principles

1. Commitment to Settlement Without Court

  • Participation Agreement signed by all team members, agreeing never to go to court

  • No threats of litigation

  • Focus on your interests instead of legal positions

  • Team approach ensures you reach a more comprehensive settlement

2. Full Disclosure

  • Open sharing of all relevant information

  • Complete financial transparency

  • Honest communication about needs and concerns

  • No hidden agendas or secrets

3. Settlement First Approach

  • Prioritize children's wellbeing

  • Consider long-term family dynamics

  • Prioritize the best interest for your future

  • Sustainable solutions created for your family

Your Professional Team

Unlike traditional divorce or mediation, Collaborative Divorce provides a complete support system working together for your family's best interests:

Core Team Members

Your Collaborative Attorney Personal legal counsel guiding you through the process, providing legal advice, and preparing all necessary documentation. You each have your own specially trained Collaborative attorney.

Neutral Facilitator Leads team meetings, manages communication, and helps create practical solutions including parenting plans. Works for both parties to keep the process on track.

Financial Neutral Provides expert financial guidance, develops scenarios for division of assets, and assists with budgeting and support calculations. Works impartially with both parties.

Additional Support

When needed, we can bring in specialists such as:

  • Parenting coordinators

  • Business valuators

  • Tax experts

  • Other professionals based on your unique situation

    • Estate planners

    • Divorce coaches

    • Special needs planning

    • Mental health counseling

Note: If the collaborative process doesn't reach resolution and court becomes necessary, new attorneys must be retained for litigation.

The Collaborative Divorce Process

  • Required documentation includes:

    1. Signed retainer agreement

    2. Signed Client's Rights and Responsibilities document

    3. Completed intake sheet

    4. Paid invoice

    5. Signed Participation Agreement

    All team professionals may require additional steps as well

    • Flexible meeting structure based on your needs

    • Individual meetings with your attorney

    • Joint meetings with neutral professionals

    • Full team meetings as needed

    • Focus on identifying and resolving concerns

    • Solution-focused approach

    • Meetings are held virtually

    • Comprehensive Stipulation of Settlement (SOS)

      • Including an Interim Stipulation of Settlement if needed.

    • Complete divorce application packet

    • Thorough review with attorneys

    • Optional review with neutrals

    • QDRO drafting available if needed (additional fee)

    • Eligibility for this service is determined by Vaz Law and you must qualify.

    • This is a streamlined, virtual service where all meetings are conducted online.

    • Upfront payments. The full cost is paid in advance digitally. Paper checks are not accepted for this service.

    • Additional professional services are included for one fixed rate, as applicable.

    • Full Description Available.

Benefits of Collaborative Divorce

  • Privacy & Control

    No court appearances

    Confidential process

    Solutions tailored to your family

    Maintain dignity throughout

  • Comprehensive Support

    Full team of professionals

    Expertise in all aspects of divorce

    Focused on your family's needs

    Future-oriented planning

  • Better Communication

    Professional facilitation

    Improved co-parenting skills

    Focus on amicable solutions

    Long-term relationship preservation

Is Collaborative Divorce Right for You?

Consider This Option If:

  • You want comprehensive professional support

  • You prefer privacy over public court proceedings

  • You will benefit from education about finances and a future budget

  • You're focused on long-term family wellbeing

  • You value professional guidance

  • You are a member of the LGBTQ+ community

  • Cases involving domestic violence can benefit greatly from the Collaborate Process process

May Not Be Suitable If:

  • Complete financial transparency isn't possible

  • There's no willingness to negotiate

  • If your partner is not in agreement to participate in this process

Pricing

Retainer Fees

  • Vaz Law retainer: $7,500

    Typical range for other professionals:

    • Neutral professionals: $2,500-$4,000 each

    • Collaborative attorneys: $7,500-$10,000

    • Retainer replenishment applicable

What's Included

Legal Services (Vaz Law)

  • Full intake meeting with Operations Manager prior to initiation of the formal Collab Process

  • All attorney meetings and communications

  • Legal document preparation:

  • Court filing when complete

Neutral Facilitator Services

  • Team meeting leadership

  • Meeting agenda creation

  • Detailed meeting notes

  • Communication guidance

  • Parenting plan development (if needed)

  • Progress documentation

  • Next steps planning

Financial Neutral Services

  • Financial scenario development

  • Support calculations

  • Budget guidance

  • Asset division analysis

  • Financial planning and education

  • Resource referrals as needed

Team Coordination

  • Shared intake documentation

  • Inter-professional communications

  • Progress tracking

  • Document sharing

  • Meeting scheduling

Additional Costs

  • Court filing fees (paid separately to the court)

  • QDRO drafting and review if needed (separate fee)

  • Additional specialists if required

Payment Options

  • Legal fee financing available through LawPay for Vaz Law's services

  • Flat fee collaborative service available (ask for details)

  • All professional fees must be paid before work begins

  • Each professional bills separately

Note: Court filing fees are separate from our professional fees. We'll provide you with current filing fee information during your initial consultation.

Initial Consultation

  • Overview of the process and answering your initial questions

  • Discussion of your specific situation and goals

The Vaz Difference

Modern & Virtual-First

  • Flexible virtual meetings designed for busy professionals

  • Secure client portal for seamless document sharing and communication

  • Electronic document signing and management

  • Work comfortably from anywhere, on your schedule

Transparent & Predictable Pricing

  • Clear pricing structure explained upfront

  • Optional fixed rate services with structured timelines

  • No surprise costs or hidden fees

  • Financing options available through LawPay

Comprehensive Support

  • Direct access to your dedicated legal team

  • Expert financial guidance for complex assets

  • Facilitator-led meetings to keep progress on track

  • Carefully vetted network of specialists

  • Resource referrals when needed

Gail H.

“From our first meeting, I knew I was in good hands (with Liz Vaz.)”

Nathan

“[Liz] was in constant contact with me every step of the way which ultimately provided me with a peace of mind that was priceless during those turbulent times.”

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