Neutral support to help both parties communicate effectively, manage emotions, and create child-focused solutions—without going to court.

Collaborative Divorce

Parker House Psychology offers collaborative divorce services through the role of a trained Mental Health Neutral, supporting families in resolving conflict outside of the courtroom. As part of a professional team, including attorneys and a Financial Neutral, Parker House Psychology assists both parties in managing emotional dynamics, improving communication, and developing child-centered co-parenting plans. Services are delivered with neutrality, structure, and professionalism, helping clients navigate the divorce process with clarity and respect. Whether addressing parenting concerns or facilitating productive dialogue, Parker House Psychology promotes stability and forward-focused solutions during a time of transition.

Dr. Paige Blankenship is a trained Mental Health Neutral with the Capital Collaborative Group, which serves Tallahassee, the Big Bend, and Northwest Florida. Please visit their site to learn more and meet the other members.

Collaborative Divorce

  • Collaborative divorce is a structured, out-of-court process that helps couples resolve the terms of their separation in a respectful and cooperative manner. Rather than relying on litigation, both parties work with a team of trained professionals, including attorneys, a financial neutral, and a mental health neutral, to reach agreements that support the long-term well-being of the entire family.

    This process emphasizes open communication, transparency, and shared goals. It is particularly effective for couples who want to minimize conflict, protect their children from the adversarial nature of court proceedings, and maintain control over the outcome of their divorce.

    At its core, collaborative divorce is about finding thoughtful, customized solutions.

    Click here to learn more about the differences between collaborative divorce, mediation, and litigation in Florida.

  • Collaborative divorce offers a respectful, private, and solution-focused alternative to traditional litigation. Instead of going to court, both parties work with a professional team to resolve issues together in a structured setting.

    Key benefits include:

    • Privacy: All discussions happen outside of court, in a confidential environment.

    • Control: You and your spouse make the decisions - not a judge.

    • Efficiency: Collaborative cases often resolve faster than litigated ones.

    • Family focus: The process supports healthy co-parenting and reduces emotional harm to children.

    • Reduced conflict: With professional guidance, conversations stay productive and respectful.

    • Time and Money: Collaborative divorce can save time and reduce costs by avoiding court appearances, streamlining communication, resolving issues more quickly, and focusing on long-term solutions rather than short-term wins.

    Collaborative divorce helps preserve relationships, reduce stress, and lay the groundwork for future cooperation.

  • Collaborative divorce is especially beneficial for families with children because it prioritizes co-parenting, emotional stability, and long-term family well-being.

    Key benefits include:

    • Child-centered decision-making: Parents work together to create thoughtful parenting plans tailored to their children’s needs.

    • Reduced conflict: The structured process helps minimize tension and prevents children from being caught in the middle.

    • Healthy co-parenting foundation: Collaborative professionals support respectful communication which is essential for future cooperation.

    • Emotional support: The Mental Health Neutral helps parents manage stress and stay focused on what’s best for their children.

    • Stability: Without courtroom battles, children are less likely to experience disruption and anxiety.

    Ultimately, collaborative divorce helps parents stay on the same team, even through divorce, so their children can continue to thrive.

  • The Mental Health Neutral is a key member of the collaborative divorce team who helps both parties navigate the emotional aspects of the process. Unlike a therapist, the Mental Health Neutral does not provide treatment or take sides - instead, they serve as a neutral facilitator focused on communication, emotional regulation, and family dynamics.

    Their role includes:

    • Meeting with each party individually, and sometimes conjointly, before team meetings

    • Helping manage emotions during discussions

    • Supporting respectful communication

    • Assisting with co-parenting plans (when applicable)

    • Promoting a calm, productive environment for decision-making

    The Mental Health Neutral ensures that emotional issues don’t derail progress and that everyone’s voice is heard in a constructive, solution-focused way.

  • The first step is to consult with a collaboratively trained attorney. Once both spouses have committed to the process and hired collaborative professionals, the full team is assembled, including the Financial Neutral and Mental Health Neutral.

    From there:

    1. Each party meets individually with their attorney and the neutral professionals.

    2. Participation agreements are signed, committing everyone to resolving the matter without court.

    3. Team meetings begin, guided by shared goals, respectful dialogue, and transparent information-sharing.