THE COLLABORATIVE WAY TO DIVORCE:
The Revolutionary Method that Results in Less Stress,
Lower Cost, and Happier Kids—Without Going to Court
By Stuart G. Webb & Ronald D. Ousky

In THE COLLABORATIVE WAY TO DIVORCE: The Revolutionary Method that Results in Less Stress, Lower Cost, and Happier Kids—Without Going to Court (Hudson Street Press; June 2006 , $23.95) collaborative law founder and pioneer Stuart G. Webb & Ronald D. Ousky provide a groundbreaking alterative for the millions of couples with children who face divorce each year—couples who want to avoid litigation, but don’t want to give up on getting what they want.

Compassionate, clear, and comprehensive, THE COLLABORATIVE WAY TO DIVORCE is the first trade book to introduce a dignified, highly strategic solution to divorce-- the collaborative process, a nationally acclaimed approach that is fast transforming how couples dissolve their marriages, divide their assets, and reinvent their post-divorce relationships, particularly when they share custody of their children. Centered around the understanding that the couple will hire their own individual collaborative attorneys—but all are committed, in writing, to settling their differences out of court--THE COLLABORATIVE WAY TO DIVORCE stresses cooperation over confrontation and resolution over revenge. Most importantly, it keeps children out of the controversy, while protecting their best interests.

For the millions of couples who face divorce each year, The Collaborative Way to
Divorce offers an alternative to court—without giving up getting what you want

Even under the best circumstances, divorce can be marked by a range of painful emotions. But research now reveals that how a couple conducts themselves during a divorce has far greater impact on their children than the act of divorcing itself. Groundbreaking and revolutionary, The Collaborative Way to Divorce is the first guide to the Collaborative process, a nationally acclaimed approach based on the concept that both spouses hire legal representation, yet agree to resolve their differences with no intention of ever going to court.

Stressing cooperation over confrontation and resolution over revenge, Collaborative divorce is fast transforming how couples dissolve their marriages, divide their assets, and reinvent their post-divorce relationships, particularly when they have children. Written by Stu Webb, the founder of the Collaborative law movement and Ron Ousky, an early pioneer of the process, The Collaborative Way to Divorce guides you through the steps of the Collaborative process so that you can make better, more informed, and more strategic decisions—resulting in a win-win outcome for you and your spouse.

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“Invented more than a decade ago by Stuart G. Webb, [collaborative divorce] is gaining in popularity around the nation.”-- The New York Times

“An increasingly popular process that is often faster, cheaper, and more private than standard courtroom divorces, not to mention less emotionally taxing.”-- The Wall Street Journal

MEDIA COVERAGE

Since the book's release on May 18, 2006, we have received a great deal of inquiry from the media including the following:.

The Collaborative process is beneficial in that it:

▪ is generally less expensive and quicker than litigation

▪ keeps your children out of the controversy, and the controversy to a minimum

▪ gives you greater control over the outcome of your divorce

▪ helps maintain a sense of integrity and respect between you and your partner

Compassionate and comprehensive, The Collaborative Way to Divorce offers a dignified, effective solution to one of life’s most difficult—and emotionally charged—situations. Collaborative divorce isn’t about “going easy” on your spouse. It’s about ending up with more money, less stress, and happier kids, without going to court.

What others are saying about the Collaborative Way to Divorce:

“Every divorcing parent should read this enormously helpful book and learn how hiring the right kind of lawyer—one committed to collaborative problem solving—can reduce the daunting economic and emotional pain of divorce.”
—Robert H. Mnookin, Williston Professor of Law, Chair, Program on Negotiation, Harvard Law School

"If you are considering divorce, the collaborative law process described in this book will show you how to navigate your course to a good divorce.  In this clear step-by-step guide, lawyers Webb and Ousky outline a method for reducing conflict that is certain to have lasting benefits for you and your children."
—Constance R. Ahrons, Ph.D., psychologist and author, The Good Divorce and We're Still Family

"Grounded in practical wisdom, this book illuminates with clarity and kindness a collaborative alternative to traditional litigation. If you care about your kids, value your dignity and seek to shape your own future, The Collaborative Way to Divorce will light your way."
—Talia L. Katz, JD, Executive Director, International Academy of Collaborative Professionals

  “A new, much-needed option for divorcing couples is now available. Here are two lawyers who have worked to improve and change the adversary system themselves, creating a more constructive way to manage this difficult life transition. Collaborative divorce should be a serious consideration for anyone divorcing.”
—Vicki Lansky, author of Divorce Book for Parents and It’s Not Your Fault, Koko Bear

“With the distilled clarity with which he created the Collaborative Law model, Stu Webb, along with his co-author Ron Ousky, has created a straightforward and informative introduction to the Collaborative divorce process. This book should be mandatory reading for anyone contemplating divorce and a handbook for anyone who wishes to protect their children and their finances by using the collaborative approach.”
—Chip Rose, J.D. Mediator, Collaborative Attorney, Trainer

Some of the ways in which the collaboratrive method differs from traditional divorce as illustrated in THE COLLABORATIVE WAY TO DIVORCE are:

Finding and hiring an attorney

In traditional divorce Clients conduct separate searches, each aiming to hire an aggressive litigator who is “good in court.”

In collaborative divorce Clients coordinate their search for attorneys; both agree to hire Collaborative Attorneys.

Starting the divorce process

In traditional divorce the husband or wife prepares (with the help of an attorney) a Summons and Petition. The Summons and Petition is then filed with the court and a judge is assigned to case.

In a Collaborative divorce, both clients and their attorneys, meet for a four-way conference to discuss how everyone wants the case to proceed. At that first conference, all parties sign the Participation Agreement, which commits all involved to resolving all issues out of court.

Addressing temporary issues

(e.g., who will reside in the house, how much time children will spend at each home, etc., while divorce proceedings are taking place)

In traditional divorce, clients who cannot resolve temporary issues on their own may seek a temporary hearing. At the hearing, each client and his/her attorney files a motion and affidavits, then the opposing client/attorney argues against the spouse’s requests. The parties then go to court, where a judge issues a temporary order.

In collaborative divorce, temporary issues are handled by agreement at one of the initial four-way meetings, through a method of interest based negotiation that helps the parties focus on common goals and interests.

Guiding readers through the steps of the collaborative process so that they may make better, more informed decisions, THE COLLABORATIVE WAY TO DIVORCE isn’t about “going easy” on your spouse. It’s about ending up with more money, less stress, and happier kids without going to court.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Stuart G. Webb invented collaborative law in 1990. He trains and lectures throughout North America and Europe; he has appeared in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and (with Ron Ousky) on the CBS Evening News.

Ronald D. Ousky is a pioneer of collaborative law and a board member of the International Association of Collaborative Professionals.

THE COLLABORATIVE WAY TO DIVORCE
How the Collaborative Method Offers Less Stress, Lower Cost, and Happier Kids—Without Going to Court
By Stuart G. Webb, Founder, Collaborative Law, and Ronald Ousky
6 x 9 ▪ 288 pp. ▪ Family and Childcare ▪ ISBN: 1-59463-022-4

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