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By Dorit Goikhman
Founding Attorney

Family doesn’t look the same for everyone and neither should divorce. The collaborative divorce process is uniquely equipped to support a wide range of family structures, offering a respectful and adaptable framework for separation.

Recognizing Today’s Families

Modern families come in many forms:

  • Same-sex or LGBTQ+ couples
  • Blended families with stepchildren or co-parenting arrangements
  • Unmarried partners separating after long-term relationships
  • Families with cultural, religious, or linguistic diversity

Collaborative divorce recognizes that these family systems may face different legal, emotional, practical challenges and provides tools to address them without judgment.

How the Collaborative Process Supports Inclusion

  • Agreements are tailored to the family, not based on assumptions
  • Neutral team members are trained to navigate cultural and relational nuances
  • Parenting plans are designed to reflect real-world routines and family dynamics
  • Financial considerations can include shared business interests, inheritance rights, and non-marital property

Real-World Scenarios

  • A same-sex couple co-parenting after years together may need a customized parenting plan that respects both parents’ rights and roles
  • In a blended family, a step-parent may want to maintain contact with children even after the legal relationship ends
  • Long-term partners without marriage certificates may still need structured support to divide property and clarify responsibilities

Why This Matters

When families feel seen and respected, the outcomes of divorce are stronger. The collaborative model creates a safe space for all voices to be heard and for agreements to reflect lived experience and not just legal definitions.

If your family doesn’t fit the traditional mold, collaborative divorce offers a flexible and affirming path forward that honors your unique story and builds a future based on clarity, dignity, and respect.

About the Author
Dorit L. Goikhman is a licensed attorney, with years of experience representing clients throughout Central California in business, real estate, and family matters. After witnessing numerous clients spend fortunes and waste years of their lives in litigation, Dorit became interested in mediation and all that it has to offer. Dorit is committed in helping parties work together to obtain a mutually acceptable solution to their disputes at a fair price. Her approach is to keep things simple, confidential, and efficient with the goal of preserving the parties’ assets, reputations, and sanity. If you have any questions regarding this blog, you can contact Dorit here.