When a couple decides that their marriage has come to an end, Collaborative Law offers a divorce process in an open and respectful atmosphere in which clients, attorneys, and other professionals work together with the clients to develop a divorce agreement that addresses the needs, interests, and goals of both parties and their families.
As an integral part of this team, I serve as a Collaborative Law Coach and neutral facilitator who works to understand emotional concerns, share important information with attorneys, and offer communication strategies to clients and to members of the professional team. With extensive Collaborative Law training I am able to bring unique perspectives and expertise to the collaborative process. With more than 12 years experience serving on Collaborative Law cases, I continue to participate in ongoing advanced training and teach multiple workshops across the country for Collaborative Law professionals.
What to Expect in the Collaborative Law Process
From the very beginning, I build a strong foundation for the collaborative process by serving as a resource for both clients and their attorneys. Before the first full team meeting (a meeting with all of the professionals and the clients), I meet with both clients individually to address their concerns and gain insight into their needs, interests, and goals. The ideas and issues raised during these initial meetings serve as a guide to developing a divorce agreement that feels fair and viable to both parties.
I also meet with both attorneys and other professional team members to establish a good working relationship and to share essential information that will enable both clients to feel comfortable and understood throughout the process. Taking into account current or potential areas of conflict, I work with the attorneys to develop plans to ensure that each client will feel heard and supported during the collaborative process.
At times I may also meet with both clients together in order to assist with other aspects of the divorce. For example, I use my expertise in child development to help clients develop a parenting plan or a workable agreement that is sensitive to the needs and well being of their children. Additionally, if volatile or complex emotional issues arise that interrupt the collaborative process, it can be very useful for clients to work through the problem with me before moving forward in making difficult decisions. It is important to note, however, that I do not serve as a psychotherapist in this process and all relevant information from these meetings is shared with both attorneys in the service of enhancing the collaborative process.
During all the stages of a Collaborative Law case, I work to ensure that the process is proceeding in a positive way. Through regular contact with both attorneys and clients I collaborate with a team of professionals to reach a peaceful resolutions.