The term "collaborative divorce" is starting to become familiar to divorce lawyers and other members of the Connecticut bar. Professional articles have provided detailed descriptions of the process and explored the ethical and malpractice considerations. But few of us know what a collaborative divorce feels like to the client experiencing the process. Take Ted for instance. (Ted is not an actual client but a composite of many of the approximately 100 collaborative divorce clients I have represented.)
Leaving the courthouse after the final uncontested hearing, Ted felt many emotions: sadness at the ending of his marriage; relief that his divorce was over; and appreciation for the collaborative professionals, especially his lawyer, who had helped him get through the past four months. More than anything, he felt okay — with being divorced, with the relationship he had with his now former wife, Alice, and that their cherished son, Tyler, would be okay now and later.
