Do you need 4 people in the first process?

My wife has decided that she wants to go the "collaborative" route.
It sounds hypocritical but do I need to have a "collaborative solicitor" from my side present?
I suggested mediation but she refused this route - saying she felt "her interests" would be better served/protected if she went this route. A marriage of three!!!!
Ideally to save costs I would like to go as far down the line as possible but seek professional advice as and when required. I have nothing to hide or fear as I have done nothing wrong & simply want the best resolution for my kids.

Collaborative law is a non-adversarial, non-competitive approach to resolving disputes co-operatively using specialist collaborative solicitors.Instead of fighting it out in court, or spending months in mediation, both parties and thier collaborative sols meet together "round table" to resolve the matters face to face.

Meetings are held in an informal and private setting; the key is that the approach by all is dignified mutual respect. The sols will negotiate on behalf of thier clients to establish a final agreed settlement. There are no wordy documents, court bundles, no position statements etc - everything is discussed face to face and each point agreed before pressing forwards.

The parties are in control at all times and the process takes place a speed that suits them both - however the key really is a willingness to be co-operative and dignified.

When collab law works, it is highly effective and works well. Yes, you would need a specialist collaborative solicitor with you otherwise the process can't proceed.