How does the Collaborative Process Work?

In a Collaborative Family Practice:

•  The parties sign a collaborative participation agreement describing the nature and scope of the matter.
• The parties voluntarily disclose all information which is relevant and material to the matter that must be decided.
• The parties agree to use good faith efforts in their negotiations to reach a mutually acceptable settlement.
• Each party must be represented by a lawyer whose representation terminates upon the undertaking of any contested court proceeding.
• The parties may engage mental health and financial professionals whose engagement terminates upon the undertaking of any contested court proceeding.
• The parties may jointly engage other experts as needed.

The goal of the Collaborative process is to:

• Negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement without having courts decide issues.
• Maintain open communication and information sharing.
• Create shared solutions acknowledging the highest priorities of both parties.

Posted in: Collaborative Law