“The Collaborative Process is a client-led team approach to building an Agreement. The process ensures that clients are heard by each other and that they are informed and supported by collaboratively trained lawyers. The team generates options to address the parties’ goals as individuals within the new family structure. The result is an enduring resolution crafted by and for the clients.””
The Collaborative Process
The Collaborative Process alleviates uncertainty, manages expectations and results in an optimistic future for the restructured family. The process is grounded in 4-way meetings and begins with identifying the parties' goals. The process provides for open, honest and safe communication and is a creative means to resolve disputes around any or all of the issues.
At the start of the process, the parties and their lawyers sign a Participation Agreement that commits this "team" to work together to address the parties’ stated goals. This includes that, in the unlikely event that negotiations break down, the parties will retain new lawyers ensuring that everyone is committed to the process and preventing the threat of litigation from impeding negotiations.
At times in the process, the parties may retain a collaboratively trained family professional or financial professional to become part of the team and work within the Collaborative model.
At the end of the process, parties have a signed Agreement, new communication and problem-solving skills and tools to resolve disputes in the future.