Collaborative Family Law
Collaborative Law is a new way for a divorcing couple to work as a team with trained
professionals to resolve disputes respectfully, without going to court. Each client
has the support, protection and guidance of his or her own lawyer. While Collaborative
lawyers are always a part of Collaboration, most models provide child specialists,
financial specialists and divorce coaches as part of the clients' divorce team.
In these models the clients have the option of starting their divorce with the professional
with whom they feel most comfortable. Then the clients choose the other professionals
they need. Therefore, the clients benefit throughout collaboration from the assistance
and support of all of their chosen professionals.
Although Collaborative Practice comes in several models, it is distinguished from
traditional litigation by its inviolable core elements. These elements are set out
in a contractual commitment among the clients and their chosen collaborative professionals
to:
- negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement without using court to decide any issues
for the clients
- withdrawal of the professionals if either client goes to court
- engage in open communication and information sharing, and
- create shared solutions that take into account the highest priorities of both clients.
This excerpt is taken directly from the
Collaborative Family Law of Central Florida website, please refer to it
for more information. We have two trained therapist in our office who are certified
in doing the Collaborative Process. Please call and ask for either Curtis McGown
or Jessica Gilstrap for more information.