Collaborative Divorce
Watch this short video to understand the collaborative divorce process.
Collaborative divorce is not just an alternative to litigation. It is a fundamentally different way of ending a marriage — one that keeps your family out of court, your decisions in your own hands, and your long-term relationships intact. For couples with children, complex finances, or simply a commitment to resolving their divorce with dignity, collaborative divorce provides a structured professional process built around your family's needs — not a courtroom schedule.
Guided by a Certified Collaborative Divorce Attorney
Attorney Joerika Stitt is a Certified Collaborative Divorce Attorney through Collaborative Divorce Illinois and a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. She helps clients navigate divorce through a structured negotiation process designed to resolve disputes outside of court — protecting both the legal interests and the long-term well-being of every family she serves.
Her approach reflects a rare professional background. Before becoming an attorney she spent nearly a decade working as a master level social worker — supporting individuals and families through significant life transitions. She brings that human centered experience into every collaborative case, guiding conversations that address both the legal complexities and the interpersonal challenges that make divorce so difficult. She understands how families think under pressure. And she knows that the agreements built in this process need to work in real life — not just on paper.
How Collaborative Divorce Works
Collaborative divorce is built on the principle that families are best served when disputes are resolved through thoughtful negotiation rather than adversarial litigation.
Collaborative divorce allows families to draw on the expertise of professionals who can assist with issues that extend beyond strictly legal questions — producing more informed decisions and more durable agreements.
01 Participation Agreement
Both parties and their attorneys sign a participation agreement committing to resolve the matter outside of court. This commitment shifts the focus away from litigation and toward structured problem-solving.
02 Guided Meetings
Through a series of structured meetings, the parties address financial matters, parenting arrangements, and long-term planning step by step. Information is shared transparently so all decisions rest on accurate data.
03 Durable Agreement
With the support of trained professionals, couples move through divorce with greater clarity, reduced conflict, and agreements crafted to reflect the genuine needs of their family.
The Collaborative Divorce process is particularly well suited for couples who:
-
- Prefer to resolve divorce privately rather than through courtroom litigation
-
- Value discretion when addressing personal, financial, and family matters
-
- Share children and want to preserve a stable, functional co-parenting relationship
-
- Have complex financial matters — such as business interests, retirement accounts, or significant assets — requiring careful analysis
-
- Want structured negotiations guided by experienced professionals rather than adversarial court proceedings
-
- Seek thoughtful agreements tailored to their family’s circumstances rather than outcomes imposed by a judge
Issues Addressed Through Collaborative Divorce
The collaborative process can address the full range of legal, financial, and parenting issues involved in divorce. It is particularly effective for families navigating complex financial arrangements, sensitive family dynamics, or situations where privacy and thoughtful problem-solving are priorities.
Collaborative divorce can help resolve matters involving:
1. Financial and Property Matters
Division of marital property and complex financial assets
Retirement accounts, pensions, and deferred compensation
Investment portfolios and other financial holdings
Business ownership, professional practices, and variable income structures
Spousal maintenance and long-term financial planning
2. Parenting and Family Matters
Parenting plans and parenting time schedules
Allocation of parental decision-making responsibilities
Child support and allocation of child-related expenses
Development of structured co-parenting arrangements
3. Complex or Sensitive Situations
High-conflict communication dynamics requiring structured negotiation
Situations involving power imbalances where professional safeguards can be implemented
Family circumstances involving prior domestic conflict where a carefully structured process may help reduce further escalation
Because collaborative divorce allows the involvement of financial professionals and family specialists when appropriate, the process often provides a more thoughtful framework for resolving complex family transitions.
Your Investment
Evergreen Retainer
Starts at $3,500
All matters begin with an evergreen retainer placed in the firm’s client trust account and applied to services as work is performed. As the balance is used, the retainer is replenished so work can continue without interruption.
Attorney Hourly Rate
$300/hr
Legal services are billed at an hourly rate reflecting the professional experience required to guide families through complex financial and parenting decisions.
Time may include preparation, meetings, negotiation sessions, drafting, financial review, and communications necessary to advance the matter.
Collaborative Team Support
Varies
Collaborative matters involve additional professionals who are retained separately and billed independently, including:
Financial Professionals; and
• Child SpecialistsTheir fees are separate from attorney services and vary depending on the scope of work.
If you would like to speak with our office about your situation, please complete the form below. A member of our team will review your message and respond with information about next steps and available consultation options.