Collaborative Divorce

At Dòchas Counselling & Mediation Services, we offer compassionate, confidential counselling to support individuals, couples, and families through life’s challenges. Our approach is grounded in respect, professionalism, and emotional safety—meeting you where you are and helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Understanding Collaborative Divorce and the Role of a Family Professional

Collaborative Divorce is a respectful, team-based approach to separation that keeps families out of court and focused on practical, child-centered solutions. Each spouse retains their own collaboratively trained lawyer, and together with neutral professionals, the team works to reach thoughtful, durable agreements.

As a Family Professional, I am jointly retained by both spouses and serve as a neutral member of the collaborative team. My role is to support the emotional and relational aspects of the separation process, ensuring that discussions remain productive, balanced, and focused on the wellbeing of the entire family.

Drawing on my training and experience, I bring a strong foundation in family dynamics, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation to this work. This background allows me to guide difficult conversations with steadiness, help parents navigate heightened emotions, and maintain a child-focused lens throughout the process.

I facilitate conversations around communication, parenting, relationships, and transition planning. A central part of my work involves helping parents develop child-centered Parenting Plans that reflect the unique needs of their children while fostering stability and consistency across households.

I also provide communication coaching — particularly in high-conflict situations — helping parents manage strong emotions, reduce blame, and build healthier co-parenting skills. By addressing emotional barriers outside of legal meetings, I help minimize conflict, improve efficiency, and keep the process moving forward constructively.

Collaborative Divorce is designed to be forward-looking. My role is to help families move through separation with dignity and structure, laying the groundwork for respectful long-term co-parenting and healthier post-separation relationships.

Learn More About Collaborative Practices

Have questions?

If you have any questions about our services please feel free to contact us.