We pledge

Not Court, but Consensus; Not Combat, but Collaboration; Not Coercion, but Cooperation

The Clients and Lawyers Agree

1. To seek a resolution of our family matters directly, without the threat of litigation or intervention by a judge.

2. To provide all financial information that might be considered important by the other, whether specifically requested or not.

3. To search for resolutions that meet the needs of all members of the family.

4. To avoid making economic threats and taking positions regarding parenting as strategies in negotiation.

5. To utilize joint neutrals rather than partisan experts if outside evaluations prove necessary.

6. To deal honestly with each other, and to communicate in a respectful manner.

7. To protect any children from the conflicts between us.

8. To maintain the confidentiality of all communication exchanged within the collaborative law process.

9. To withdraw from the process if either of us deems it appropriate, or to have the process terminated by our counsel in the event we violate the terms or spirit of this agreement.

10. To engage new counsel if, despite our best efforts, court intervention should prove necessary.