Collaborative Divorce FAQ: Collaborative and Domestic Violence

When the relationship between husband and wife is characterized by violence, particularly if the incidents of abuse occurred in the recent past or if there are threats of future harm, it will be difficult to utilize a process that takes into consideration the needs and interests of both parties. Like Mediation, the Collaborative Divorce process requires the parties to consult and work together to find mutual solutions to the challenges they face. When domestic violence is involved, interactions between the husband and wife can be manipulative, threatening and dishonest. Mutually beneficial resolutions to issues and conflict are not likely with such an unequal balance of power in the martial relationship.