What are the legal requirements for a collaborative divorce?

In Washington State, the legal requirements for a collaborative divorce are outlined in the Washington State Revised Code and the Washington State Administrative Code. First, the parties must enter into a written agreement. This agreement will spell out the rules and procedures to be followed during the collaborative divorce process and what the spouses need to do in order to reach a conclusion. It will also set forth the roles and responsibilities of the attorneys, the mental health professionals, and any other professionals involved in the process. Second, the agreement must contain a provision that both parties agree to fully disclose all relevant financial and family information, including assets and liabilities, income and expenses, and any other information that would be relevant to the resolution of the case. Third, the parties must agree to voluntarily exchange their financial disclosure statements. This document contains detailed information regarding the financial and family status of each party and must be signed by both parties to be valid. Fourth, the spouses must agree to negotiate in good faith to reach a resolution. This includes making a genuine effort to resolve the case without the need for litigation. Finally, the collaborative divorce process requires the parties to be represented by separate attorneys who are experienced in the collaborative divorce process. These attorneys must meet certain ethical obligations and must be knowledgeable about the collaborative divorce process in order for the process to be successful.

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What are the legal requirements for a collaborative divorce?

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