Webster defines “collaborate” as “to work together”; it is an active verb.

In the divorce arena, the ‘Mission Statement’ of the Collaborative Law Institute of Georgia is:

“We are committed to a client centered process that focuses on the legal, emotional, and financial elements of divorce and allows couples to negotiate in an environment free from the threat of litigation.”

http://www.collaborativepracticega.com

This process is designed to provide a forum and to create a “cooperative atmosphere and environment” in which parties can work together to resolve their disputes without the threat of court proceedings.

This process is explained well in wikipedia

Links:

http://www.collablaw.org/
http://www.collaborativelawatlanta.com

Resource:

“Collaborative Divorce: The Revolutionary New Way to Restructure Your Family, Resolve Legal Issues, and Move on With Your Life” by Pauline H. Tesler & Peggy Thompson