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What Is Collaborative Practice?
Collaborative Practice is a respectful, solution-focused approach to resolving family matters such as separation, divorce, or co-parenting arrangements. Rather than going to court, all parties work together with trained professionals to reach agreements that support the emotional well-being of everyone involved—especially children. The process emphasizes cooperation, transparency, and shared decision-making to help families move forward with dignity and care.
In June 2019, the Manitoba government passed The Family Law Modernization Act, introducing new laws and supports to help families resolve issues related to parenting arrangements, support, and property division outside of court.
Collaborative Practice is one of these voluntary, out-of-court resolution processes. It offers separating or divorcing couples a respectful and cooperative way to reach agreements that focus on the well-being of all involved—especially children.
According to the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP), Collaborative Practice is based on the following principles:
- All parties sign a participation agreement outlining the process and its goals.
- Everyone commits to full, voluntary, and transparent disclosure of relevant information.
- Negotiations are conducted in good faith to reach a mutually acceptable settlement.
- Each party is represented by their own collaboratively trained lawyer, and all professionals withdraw if the matter proceeds to court.
- Mental health, child, or financial professionals may be involved to provide additional guidance and expertise.
Collaborative Practice allows you and your partner to maintain control over decisions, supported by a team of professionals who work together to reduce conflict and prioritize understanding and respect.
The core commitments of Collaborative Practice are to:
- Negotiate solutions without court involvement.
- Maintain open, honest communication and information sharing.
- Develop outcomes that reflect the highest priorities and best interests of all family members.
Learn More
To learn more about the collaborative process, click the link below to be directed to the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and their “Knowledge Kit”.
Collaborative Coaching
Why do you need a Collaborative Coach on your Team?
When a relationship ends, emotions can run high and the stress of separation may feel overwhelming. Limited emotional support can make it difficult to move forward, and ongoing conflict with a spouse can slow negotiations and increase legal costs.
Conflict can also impact children. Research shows that the emotional distress children experience during separation can cause more harm than the divorce itself. Collaborative coaches work to protect children by guiding parents through these challenges.
A collaborative coach supports you every step of the way. They help you:
- Communicate your needs clearly and effectively
- Navigate difficult emotions in a safe and constructive way
- Develop a positive, sustainable plan for your family’s future
By working with a coach, you are empowered to make decisions that are child-focused, respectful, and aligned with your family’s best interests.
What is a Collaborative Coach and how do they Help?
A collaborative coach is a mental health professional with extensive experience in working with families, child development, and the emotional challenges of separation and divorce.
Role of a Collaborative Coach with Clients
A collaborative coach supports you in:
- Navigating the emotional transition of separation or divorce, providing a safe space to share your story, feel understood, and process triggers or strong emotions.
- Identifying priorities and concerns, helping you clarify what is most important to you, including the needs of children and family members.
- Developing skills for open, non-attacking communication, self-regulation, creative problem solving, and decision-making.
The goal is to help you bring your authentic, grounded self to the collaborative process, fostering compassion, understanding, and cooperation with the other parent.
Role of a Collaborative Coach within the Team
Within the collaborative team, the coach:
- Supports attorneys by explaining the emotional dynamics, triggers, and fears of each parent.
- Helps the team recognize when unresolved marital issues influence behavior, create impasses, or hinder productive negotiation.
Through this guidance, collaborative coaches help families move forward with respect, understanding, and child-focused decision-making.
How Do Collaborative Coaches support Parents and Children?
When parents share children, a primary role of a Collaborative Coach is to help develop a co-parenting plan that works for the whole family and prioritizes the best interests of the child.
If determining what is best for your children feels challenging, a Child Specialist can be added to your collaborative team. The Child Specialist:
- Meets with your children to understand their needs and perspectives
- Provides a voice for the children in the process
- Shares insights with you and the team to guide the development of a child-focused co-parenting plan
This approach ensures that parenting arrangements are respectful, informed, and supportive of your children’s well-being and family stability.
Parenting Plan
Family Law Manitoba states:
Family Law Manitoba states:
The Manitoba government’s For the Sake of the Children parent information program provides information to help parents develop a child–focused parenting plan.
Family Law Manitoba states:
Family Law Manitoba states:
Family Law Manitoba states:
A parenting plan is a formal, written document that outlines how parents will care for and raise their children following separation or divorce. It provides clarity, structure, and guidance for both parents, helping to support the child’s well-being and stability.
A collaborative coach can assist you and the other parent in creating a parenting plan that reflects your family’s unique needs and priorities.
Key Elements of a Parenting Plan
- Parenting arrangements: Specifies when and how much time each parent will spend with the child
- Decision-making: Outlines how major decisions about the child will be made—jointly or individually with consultation
- Communication: Establishes how parents will share information regarding the child
- Other considerations: Addresses additional parenting concerns or situations as needed
In Manitoba, a parenting plan is required if parents cannot agree on arrangements and need to proceed to court. It is also recommended to consult a family law lawyer to understand your legal rights and responsibilities before finalizing the plan.
Family Law Manitoba states:
For more information about parenting plans, including a checklist and-interactive tool to assist you in creating a plan
What is a Participation Agreement?
The success of a collaborative separation or divorce is built on the Participation Agreement signed by both parties and the professionals on the Collaborative Team. This team may include:
- Collaborative lawyers
- Parent coach(es)
- Child specialist
- Financial specialist
A Participation Agreement is a formal contract that outlines the path through the collaborative process and formalizes your commitment to its principles and values.
By signing, you and your partner commit to:
- Resolving issues outside of court whenever possible
- Communicating openly and respectfully
- Keeping negotiations confidential
- Promptly disclosing all relevant information
- Not using disclosed information against each other if the matter proceeds to court
Participation Agreements are a key feature of collaborative divorce, ensuring clarity, accountability, and a child-focused, respectful process for all involved.
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