Mediation and ADR
Collaborative law
Also called collaborative divorce
A process for resolving a dispute, often a divorce, without a court deciding it, in which each party signs a participation agreement and is represented by a collaborative lawyer.[1]
In more detail
This is Florida's statutory definition.[1] In collaborative law the lawyers and parties commit to settling outside court, which is different from mediation, where a neutral mediator helps the parties negotiate and each side may or may not have a lawyer. Some families use both: a collaborative process with a mediator for particular issues.
Varies by state
Collaborative law rules differ by state, including what happens if the process fails. Find your state’s rules.
Related terms
- Family mediationMediation of family matters such as divorce, property division, parental responsibility, child support, custody and visitation, for married and unmarried people, before and after a judgment.
- MediationA process in which a neutral mediator helps the parties communicate and negotiate so they can reach their own voluntary agreement.
- Dissolution of marriageThe legal term in many states, including Florida and California, for divorce: a court judgment ending a marriage.
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Sources
The official documents this definition is based on, with the date we last read each one. Definitions are in our own words.
General information, not legal advice. MediationList is not a law firm. Spotted an error? Tell us.
Cite this page
MediationList. (2026, October 28). Collaborative law: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/collaborative-law/
APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.