All negotiations take place in four-way conferences between parties and their attorneys.  Each party has built-in legal advice and advocacy during negotiations and each attorney is committed to guiding their clients toward a reasonable settlement.  During the collaborative process no one, neither the parties nor the attorneys, can go to court or even threaten to go to court; settlement is the only goal.  However, if despite everyone's best efforts, negotiations do break down, the parties terminate the collaborative process and either party wants to go to court, both parties must then retain new attorneys.

The attorneys encourage and help their clients communicate what is important to them, their real needs and interests.  A safe and confidential environment is established so that each client can openly discuss and consider the needs of each other and the children. The four-way conferences foster creative problem solving and resolution of the issues in a way that is tailored to the particular needs of each couple.