Collaborative divorce tempers bitter feelings

MARK SCHLUEB

Orlando Sentinel

You've heard of happily married, but is it possible to have a happy divorce? A growing number of lawyers -- including some who've spent careers brawling in divorce court -- say yes. They're disciples of "collaborative divorce," which tries to bring civility and cooperation to the traditionally bitter battle over the kids, family home and Grandma's silver.

Rather than each spouse paying a pit-bull lawyer to spar in court, they and their attorneys agree to work out an amicable divorce that both sides can be happy with. Along the way, they receive guidance from a neutral mental-health professional and financial adviser.

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