As marriage and family therapists, we are passionate about our work with couples to restore health and connection in marriages. However, we also know that there are some couples who, for a myriad of reasons, will not choose to stay together.
Sometimes, this is a mutual decision within a couple, but often, it is not. Regardless of how the couple arrives at a divorce, it is important for couples to know there are many options for how they go about getting a divorce. Unfortunately, the assumption most have is that the “best” or even only way is for each spouse to hire an adversarial attorney and prepare to fight in court. In Texas and most other areas, though, legal options are available that avoid the litigation process that is so often toxic, stressful, and even traumatic for so many families.
We offer consultations for individuals and couples interested in Collaborative Divorce- a cost-efficient, private, and non-adversarial divorce process option that meets the needs of many changing families.
The professionals involved in the process must maintain confidentiality and meetings are held privately with only the professionals and clients present.
No judge, mediator, or professional will be making decisions for clients in a collaborative divorce. Clients are instead led by the collaborative team to reach agreements based on their needs, interests, and circumstances.
Even couples divorcing in high conflict can successfully complete this process, keeping important decisions for their future and their children’s future out of the hands of strangers.
The process is not focused on the past or blame for problems in the marriage but rather on reaching agreements to meet the clients’ post-divorce needs and goals.
The team then helps the clients plan for the successful implementation of agreements, which may include learning new communication methods to break past patterns.
Guidelines for the process ensure attorneys are collaboratively sharing information to facilitate trustworthiness and transparency, and neutral professionals are trained to facilitate direct and productive client communication.
The collaborative divorce process avoids strategic maneuvering and legal games that so often foster mistrust and resentment in litigation.
Divorcing parents worry deeply about how to protect their children from being negatively impacted by their divorce.
A collaborative team works with parents to determine parenting schedules and establish a co-parenting relationship that fosters health and support for the transitions of separation and divorce.
Experienced collaborative professional teams can tailor the process to meet the clients’ needs and budget and guide clients to understand how to keep the cost of the process as low as possible based on their circumstances.
A significant source of cost-effectiveness is the inclusion of trained neutral professionals who facilitate much of the work related to financial decisions and parenting plans.
For more information, schedule a consultation by calling 210-314-1117. Potential collaborative clients can attend a consultation meeting together or schedule individual meetings.
Our training and experience as a marriage and family therapist equipped us with skills to manage difficult conversations, guide people to reach solutions to challenging issues, and facilitate improved skills for communication within meaningful relationships.
We have invested time and energy gaining experience in collaborative divorce with the goal of helping people navigate what is often one of the most challenging times in their lives. We apply what I know about human relationships, conflict resolution, and child development to help families through the divorce process.
We are both active members of the Collaborative Divorce San Antonio professional group (CDSA; www.collaborativedivorcesanant.com) and Collaborative Divorce Texas (CDT; www.collaborativedivorcetexas.com). Dr. Davenport is recognized as a Credentialed Neutral Mental Health Professional by CDT.
The Center for Families in Transition offers in-person and virtual support options. Please complete and submit this form so we can better understand the services your family needs.
