The collaborative process is designed to remove as much fear and anxiety as possible from decision-making in a divorce. Collaborative practice recognizes that the experience of ending a marriage or relationship is hard enough. Professionals should not make the experience worse by adding to the conflict or by causing either partner to feel more threatened or vulnerable than they do already.

Collaborative practice ensures that each marriage partner has accurate information, sound legal advice, solid support in problem-solving and decision-making, and sincere assistance in laying the groundwork for respectful working relationships after the process is over.