CCDG is a group of experienced divorce professionals, including divorce and family lawyers, financial and mental health professionals who have been specifically trained in the collaborative process. Each member of the group has made a commitment to the goals of collaborative practice in order to help people achieve fair and lasting settlements without using the court or even the threat of court. Additionally, each member attends regular meetings and training sessions designed to develop and enhance their collaborative divorce skills.

You and your spouse or partner can select the professionals on your team from among the members of CCDG. All members of CCDG are prepared to work collaboratively in the best interests of you and your children, addressing your legal, emotional and financial needs. Membership criteria for CCDG are quite demanding. For lawyers criteria include extensive experience with Family Court proceedings and with the issues of family law cases.

For financial professionals, the criteria include an appropriate credential such as Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner, Certified Divorce Financial Planner, plus experience working in the divorce field.

For Collaborative Coaches, the criteria include licensure such as Ph.D, Psy.D, MD, MSW or LMFT, plus specific training relating to communication, parenting and child development issues.

All members have interdisciplinary collaborative training and mediation training, and at least 10 years of experience in their profession. All CCDG members also belong to the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP).

Defining diversity, equity and inclusion

CCDG’s dedication to non-adversarial divorce is inseparable from our commitment to diversity and equity and creating a vibrant climate of inclusion. It is central to our mission as a professional organization to ensure that all of our members and our clients have full opportunity to thrive.

Diversity: We commit to increasing diversity, which is expressed in myriad forms, including race and ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity, socioeconomic status, language, culture, national origin, religion, (dis)ability status and political perspective.

Equity: We commit to working actively to identify, challenge and address all forms of bias, harassment, and discrimination. CCDG is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons. Its members do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status.

Inclusion: We commit to pursuing deliberate efforts to ensure that differences are welcomed, different perspectives are respectfully heard, and that every individual feels a sense of belonging and inclusion. We commit to inclusivity both through recruitment of members for CCDG and through outreach to the clients we serve.