Collaborative Divorce Explained: A Better Way to Divorce with Respect/ Divorce With Respect Week

Описание: Collaborative divorce offers a respectful, structured alternative to litigation for couples who want to avoid court battles and create agreements that protect children and finances. In this episode, Lesa Koski sits down with Minnesota collaborative professionals Jana Hefty and Michelle Leason to explain how collaborative divorce works, who it’s best for, and why collaborative divorce can save time, reduce conflict, and support healthier co-parenting.
You’ll learn the key differences between collaborative divorce vs mediation vs litigation, how financial neutrals help organize assets and cashflow planning, and what happens if the collaborative divorce process doesn’t work. This conversation is especially helpful for parents considering divorce who want a better way to divorce with respect.
Divorce doesn’t have to be a fight. Collaborative divorce can be a better way.

Timestamps:
(00:00) Welcome + why divorce doesn’t have to be a fight
(01:30) Introducing Jana Hefty and Michelle Leason
(03:15) Janna’s path to law + staying calm in crisis
(06:45) Michelle’s background as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and mediator
(10:10) What collaborative divorce is and how it works
(13:40) The collaborative divorce team: attorneys, financial neutral, child specialist
(17:10) Why finances feel scary and how to create clarity early
(21:30) What happens if collaborative divorce doesn’t work
(25:10) Cost and timeline: collaborative divorce vs litigation
(28:30) Divorce With Respect Week (March 1–8) + how to find resources
(30:10) Closing thoughts + next steps

Key Takeaways:
• Collaborative divorce helps couples avoid court and make decisions together
• A team approach supports finances, parenting plans, and communication
• Financial neutrals reduce duplicated work and improve clarity
• Collaborative divorce can be less expensive and faster than litigation
• If collaborative fails, agreements can still be used—progress isn’t lost

Guest Bio:
Janna Hefty is a Minnesota collaborative family law attorney who helps couples navigate divorce with respect, structure, and reduced conflict.
Michelle Leisen is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) and Minnesota-qualified mediator. She founded Divorce Smart and helps couples understand assets, budgeting, and post-divorce financial planning.
Resource Links:
Lesa Koski Website:https://www.lesakoski.com/
https://collaborativedivorcecaliforni...

https://collaborativelaw.org/

https://www.mydivorcesmart.com/