Divorce is never easy, emotionally or otherwise. Regardless of who wants the divorce, emotions run the gamut. One may experience sadness, grief, satisfaction, anger, happiness, depression, and anxiety, perhaps all at the same time.

When children are involved, the process can be even more painful. Although the percentage of those seeking divorce continues to climb, to the child of divorcing parents that percentage is always 100 percent. Children suffer the most when parties participate in protracted litigation and fight with no apparent end in sight.

I do not encourage divorce. I do understand, however, that separations and/or divorces occur for a variety of reasons. Collaborative law is a respectful option through which parties can resolve their family law issues and sometimes other matters without litigation. It is a dignified process based on the participants’ agreement to not go to court, to honestly and openly exchange information, and to seek a resolution that best fits their collective needs.