Personal Divorce Coaching and Its Role in Decision-Making in Divorce

Abstract

Where does personal divorce coaching fit in among the dispute resolution processes in divorce and how does it support decision-making throughout the proceedings? This article explores the definition of personal divorce coaching as a dispute resolution process, its theoretical roots, the blending of practices from other applied conflict resolution processes, and how it can be used to leverage the power of both coaching and dispute resolution in this particularly challenging environment of divorce. We explore how divorce coaching can shift individual focus from a vice-like grip on position to lifting up interests in the midst of the emotional turmoil that the dissolution of marriage can precipitate. We also review personal divorce coaching from the perspectives of key stakeholders in the process of divorce: family attorneys, family mediators, therapists, financial professionals and, most importantly, the divorcing client. In doing this, we also examine the boundaries of the divorce coaching process.