What is Collaborative Practice?
Collaborative Practice is an out-of-court legal process for resolving family law matters, including separation and divorce.
Instead of going to court, both parties work together with their own collaboratively trained lawyers — and, where needed, coaches or financial specialists — to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
The focus is on respectful communication, joint problem-solving and protecting the interests of the whole family.
You remain in control of the decisions, the pace and the outcome.
Although still developing in Ireland, Collaborative Practice is well established internationally as an effective alternative to litigation.
How is a Collaborative Divorce Different?
It is designed to keep families out of court.It is based on co-operation, not confrontation.Both parties are supported by a trained, interdisciplinary team.Collaborative lawyers work to reduce conflict, not escalate it.The focus is on the needs of the whole family, especially children.Solutions are tailored to your unique circumstances.You remain involved in every step of the process.You retain control over the pace and the outcome.It is typically more cost-effective than adversarial court proceedings.
Who Is a Collaborative Practitioner?
A Collaborative Practitioner is a qualified professional who has completed recognised training in Collaborative Practice and is registered with the Association of Collaborative Practitioners in Ireland.
Collaborative Practitioners may include:
Lawyers
Collaborative Facilitators
Financial Experts
Child Specialists
Pension Experts
Each professional brings specialised expertise to ensure that the legal, emotional and financial aspects of separation or divorce are addressed in a balanced, respectful and constructive way.
Is a Collaborative Divorce the right choice for us?
Mutual Agreement Is Essential
The collaborative process is entirely voluntary and both partners must agree to engage in it for it to function. To ensure a constructive start, a collaborative facilitator can help the initiating partner frame the concept as a shared opportunity for privacy, control and reduced conflict.
Not All Lawyers Are Collaboratively Trained
Collaborative Practice requires specific training.
Not all family lawyers or facilitators are trained in this discipline so it is important to check that your chosen professional is registered with the Association of Collaborative Practitioners.
Preparation and Support
If both partners agree to participate, you will each meet privately with your own chosen collaborative practitioners.
They will explain how the process works and will help you prepare for the first joint meeting.
Collaborative Practice works best where both parties are willing to:
Communicate respectfully and openly
Compromise where appropriate
Engage constructively in problem-solving
This can be challenging, particularly during emotional circumstances. However, most couples find that the structured support and cooperative approach allow for a more constructive and less stressful separation.
Helpful Guide
The ACP has prepared a guide explaining what happens in a collaborative meeting.
The Cost?
Collaborative Practice is often more cost-effective than contested court proceedings. Each professional charges an agreed hourly rate, discussed transparently in advance, and the structured nature of joint meetings can help reduce duplication and unnecessary escalation.
While the overall timeframe depends on each family’s circumstances, avoiding court hearings and barrister involvement can provide greater predictability around both time and cost. In addition to financial considerations, many families find that the collaborative approach reduces conflict and emotional strain, supporting a more constructive and respectful separation process.
