Collaborative Divorce Illinois

04/28/2026

Not all divorce attorneys work the same way. Here's the difference:

Litigation Attorney:
→ Advocates only for their client
→ Prepares for court battle
→ Communicates through opposing counsel
→ Goal: win

Collaborative Divorce Attorney:
→ Protects your rights and supports resolution
→ Works with a full team toward agreement
→ Communicates openly at the table
→ Goal: a settlement that works for your family

Both are attorneys. But only one keeps you out of a courtroom.

👉 Learn more: collaborativedivorceillinois.org/collaborative-divorce-attorney/

04/27/2026

When people hear the word divorce, they often expect conflict.

In reality, many are simply looking for a way to move forward with clarity and respect.

Collaborative divorce offers a structured, team-based alternative focused on communication and informed decisions - rather than conflict. CDI brings together professionals committed to this approach.

Learn more about collaborative divorce:
https://collaborativedivorceillinois.org/how-collaborative-divorce-works/

04/24/2026

⭐ CDI Member Spotlight | Amy Wood, Coach

Meet Amy, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who supports couples, families, and individuals navigating complex relationship dynamics.

She guides partners in deciding whether to remain together or separate, offering support through both emotional and logistical transitions.

As a Collaborative Divorce Coach, she approaches this work with sensitivity, practicality, and integrity, recognizing the grief that can come with the end of a marriage.

👉 View Amy’s full profile: https://collaborativedivorceillinois.org/find-a-professional/entry/1498/?zoom=7&map_lat=41.4286458&map_lng=-88.3080140

04/23/2026

CDI Fellow Member, Join us for our upcoming CDI Spring Social Event in May! There's still time to RSVP.

This event is open to CDI members only and is free to attend. It’s a great opportunity to connect and network.

We look forward to seeing you there!

📍 Coa Oak Brook - 2301 York Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523
🗓️ Thursday, May 14, 2026
⏰ 4:30pm - 7:30pm

Please RSVP here: https://cdi.wildapricot.org/event-6613886

04/22/2026

A Divorce Coach is a licensed mental health professional who joins your collaborative team to help you communicate clearly, manage emotions, and stay focused on what matters most during the process.

They help you:
🧠 Understand your own reactions under stress
💬 Communicate more effectively with your spouse
🎯 Stay focused on your goals - not the conflict
👶 Keep your children's needs front and center

The result is a calmer, more productive process for everyone at the table.

👉 Learn more: collaborativedivorceillinois.org/divorce-coach/

04/20/2026

Join us in welcoming our newest CDI member: Meredith Bolan.
We’re glad to welcome Meredith to the CDI community and look forward to future collaboration!

04/14/2026

Coffee with the Coaches is a monthly support group for Mental Health Professionals serving on collaborative teams.

This group is open to CDI Fellow Members and offers a confidential space to consult on challenging cases, share best practices, and connect with fellow coaches.

Upcoming dates can be found on the CDI calendar: https://collaborativedivorceillinois.org/events/ you can also contact the event organizer Lydia Richardson if you are interested in joining.

If you’re a CDI Fellow serving as a Divorce Coach, Child Specialist, or in a hybrid role, we’d love to have you join us!

04/13/2026

We’re proud to recognize the sponsors who supported CDI this year.

Our Bronze, Gold and Platinum sponsors - Merel Family Law, Soberlink, and STG Divorce Law - have played an important role in making this work possible.

Your commitment to the collaborative process helps us continue building a stronger, more respectful path for families navigating divorce.

We’re truly grateful to have you as part of the CDI community!

04/10/2026

⭐ CDI Member Spotlight | Rita Ghose, Attorney

Meet Rita Ghose, a family law attorney who focuses on helping clients reach resolutions that bring peace of mind and support their path forward.

Rita takes the time to have thorough conversations with her clients, understanding every detail of their situation so she can consider all angles and help them find the best solutions - creative and tailored to their unique circumstances.

👉 View Rita’s full profile: https://collaborativedivorceillinois.org/find-a-professional/entry/243/

04/09/2026

Going through a divorce is never simple - but the process you choose can make a difference.

Many families in Illinois are choosing Collaborative Divorce because it helps reduce conflict, protect children, and keep personal matters private - while allowing both spouses to stay in control of the decisions that shape their future.

👉 Learn more about how Collaborative Divorce works and whether it may be right for you: https://collaborativedivorceillinois.org/benefits-of-collaborative-divorce/

04/08/2026

Communicating with your spouse during a divorce can feel challenging.

When emotions are high, even simple conversations may require extra care and intention.

Attorney Sharon Genalen, a CDI member, wrote a practical guide with 5 tips that can actually help - including treating difficult conversations with a clear mindset, knowing when to pause, and how professional support makes all the difference.

Whether you’re at the beginning of the process or further along, this is a helpful read.

Read the blog here: collaborativedivorceillinois.org/divorce-tips-for-communicating-with-your-spouse-2/

Divorce is often the result of communication breakdowns between a couple. But keeping dialogue open, treating discussions like business meetings while - Collaborative Divorce Illinois