About half of all marriages in the United States end in divorce. The unfortunate reality is that most of these divorces result in unnecessary collateral damage, as the family issues involved are far too complex and personal for a court to address. Now there is a better way.In Collaborative Divorce, Pauline Tesler and Peggy Thompson present the first complete, step-by-step explanation of the groundbreaking collaborative divorce method that is revolutionizing the way couples end their marriages. Tesler and Thompson, two pioneers who train collaborative professionals around the world, walk you through the stages of collaborative divorce. With real life examples and practical exercises, they provide useful insight into how divorce can be handled constructively and entirely outside of the court system.Working with a team of caring specialists that includes two lawyers, two coaches, a financial consultant, and a child specialist (if necessary), you and your spouse focus on building a consensus that addresses the needs of everyone who will be directly affected by the divorce. This exciting new paradigm empowers you -- not lawyers or a judge -- to shape the outcome of your divorce, as you: Stay out of court and save timeCreate long-term financial and parenting plans that workPlay an active role in designing your life after the divorceUnderstand and address your children's needsConserve emotional and financial resources Though divorce will always be painful, Collaborative Divorce introduces you to an effective alternative that will address your legal, financial, and emotional needs and achieve the best family arrangement possible. Whether you've already begun the process or are still weighing your options, Collaborative Divorce is essential reading that will inspire you to approach divorce as a vehicle for conflict resolution, healing, and positive, long-term change.