Typically, we think of divorce as being highly contested, with two people who were once in love battling over property interests and retirement accounts. However, divorce does not have to be that way.

Collaborative law is new form of divorce resolution that is gaining popularity in Florida and throughout the United States. In the collaborative law process, each party is represented by a trained family law attorney, but the difference is in how the attorneys and parties interact.

From the very beginning, the goal in a collaborative divorce is to reach an amicable settlement on all issues such as property division, child custody and spousal support. In effort to encourage good faith negotiations, both parties and attorneys sign an agreement saying that they will not go to court.

A collaborative divorce is a good option for couples who want their divorce to have as little negative impact as possible on themselves and their children. While typical divorce lawyers are trained in litigating and fighting, a collaborative lawyer's training focuses on negotiation skills.

Here are a few more tips from a recent Daily Mail article on how to divorce with the most dignity:

Avoid acting defensively. Although it may seem that your ex is just trying to get under your skin with certain actions or requests, take the time to hear him or her out. Then calmly state your point of view, avoiding a fight fueled by emotions.

Put your children first. Divorce is not a choice made by children, it's a choice made by parents. Keep this in mind and always put their needs first, which will sometimes mean setting your own wants and needs aside.

Learn to co-parent. The vibe set for co-parenting will begin during the divorce negotiations, which is why it is best to take a collaborative approach. Create a parenting plan that you can both agree on and stick to it.

Source: Daily Mail, "New year, new start: How to divorce with dignity," Francine Kaye, Jan. 1, 2012