The collaborative divorce process is a relatively new form of conflict resolution. In the collaborative divorce process, each person retains his or her own collaborative lawyer to advise them in negotiating a settlement of all issues. This takes place before either party file for divorce. The goal of the collaborative divorce process is to obtain a settlement of all issues while avoiding the sometimes costly litigation process. Negotiations in the collaborative divorce process take place with both spouses and both lawyers present. Neither party can go to court or threaten to go to court as a means to force a resolution. In the event a settlement cannot be reached and the parties choose to go to court, both must obtain new counsel for the litigation process. The collaborative divorce process is ideal for spouses who communicate well and who are willing and able to work respectfully to try and find solutions to their unique set of issues.