FAQs

Our clients have many questions they ask us at the beginning of working together. Here are some of the most common:

1. How much does it cost?
2. What happens if the process doesn't work and we end up in court?
3. What is the end result of the Collaboration process?
4. How long does the process take?
5. How is the Collaborative process different from mediation?
6. How do I start the Collaboration process?

1. How much does it cost?

   As the Collaborative process is a settlement-driven team approach, the cost is generally less than going to court. This is because the Collaborative Lawyers, Divorce Coaches, and other experts focus on solutions rather than on preparing for court. That said, each case is unique, and cost will depend upon the complexity of the issues and the professionals involved.

   The cost to retain a Divorce Coach is $150.00 per hour for each party. The cost to retain a Collaborative Lawyer depends on the hourly fee charged by the particular lawyer (hourly rates can vary from $200.00 to $350.00 per hour).

2. What happens if the process doesn't work and we end up in court?

   The good news is that statistically this is not likely to happen, as success using Collaboration is high. If, however, you or your spouse or partner decides to end the process, both lawyers must resign and have no further involvement. What either of you have said during the Collaborative process is confidential and cannot be used in court.

3. What is the end result of the Collaboration process?
   

   The Collaborative Lawyers, after having assisted you and your spouse or partner in reaching agreements on all the issues, draft a comprehensive written Agreement, which you and your respective lawyers sign. Prior to signing, you will have received the benefit of independent legal advice from your own lawyer. Where there are children involved, a Parenting Plan may be drafted by the Divorce Coaches (with the assistance of a Child Specialist if retained by the parties), and this may be incorporated into the Agreement drafted by the lawyers, or it may stand alone as a separate agreement.

4. How long does the process take?

   Each four-way meeting is at least two hours. How many meetings are needed will depend upon the number and complexity of the issues, the level of emotion, and whether a Child Specialist or Financial Advisor is involved. Some disputes can be resolved in as few as four to five four-way meetings, but each case is unique.

5. How is the Collaborative process different from mediation?

   One of the key differences is that mediation does not necessarily involve lawyers, while Collaboration is designed to create solutions with lawyers present. The Collaborative professionals in our group are highly skilled and trained mediators, and they use their mediation skills throughout each four-way meeting. Read more about Collaboration or Mediation.
   

6. How do I start the Collaboration process?
   

   You may want to first show or email our website www.nocourt.net to your spouse or partner. If you are both interested in moving ahead with the Collaborative process, your next step is for both of you to independently contact either a Collaborative Lawyer or a Divorce Coach. They will explain in detail how the process works, or answer any questions you have.

Resolving Disputes Respectfully
© 2006 Collaborative Family Law Group of the Lower Mainland. All Rights Reserved.
Providing alternative collaborative family law and no court divorce resolution for Abbotsford, Aldergrove, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Delta, Langley, Ladner, Maple Ridge, Mission, New Westminster, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, Surrey, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver, West Vancouver and White Rock.