How Does the Collaborative Process Work?
In the Collaborative Process the clients meet with their Attorneys individually, in four way meetings, and in team meetings. A four way meeting is a meeting where both spouses and their attorneys meet to resolve outstanding issues and work toward an enduring and equitable separation agreement and divorce. In team meetings, the Attorneys and Clients may work with Coaches, Financial Professionals and Child Specialists to assist the parties through the process.
The Coach meets with the spouses to assist them in working within the framework of the Collaborative Process and in working on issues that may impact negotiating the divorce and coming to a final resolution.
The Financial Professional will meet with the spouses to assess their finances and evaluate what impact the divorce will have on their future financial outlook.
The Child Specialist will meet with the couple to discuss issues involving the children and how the pending divorce is impacting on the children. The Child Specialist may also meet with the child to assess the situation and to obtain the child’s perspective and input.
The Attorneys, Coach, Financial Professional and Child Specialist communicate with one another and work together to collaboratively assist the couple to reach a divorce agreement.
The Attorneys have been trained in the Collaborative Process and mediation.
The Coach is a Mental Health Provider, Social Worker or Counselor who has been trained in the Collaborative Process and mediation.
The Financial Professional is an Accountant or Certified Financial Planner who has been trained in the Collaborative Process and mediation.
The Child Specialist is a Mental Health Provider, Social Worker or Counselor who has been trained in the Collaborative Process and mediation and who has training in working with, evaluating and counseling children and parents.
What distinguishes the Collaborative Process from Litigation?