Collaborative Law

The end of a marriage is a frightening time for most people. Not only are past hurts and failures likely to be triggered, in most cases the husband and wife have lost their primary confidants (each other) at a time when they are most vulnerable and in need of support. As emotions escalate, cognitive areas of the brain shut down and problem-solving becomes impossible. Reducing anxiety is therefore critical to the collaborative process.

The following is an A through H list of how to reduce anxiety and encourage creative problem-solving.

Reprinted from an email on the Collaborative Law Group with permission of the author:

We are a small city of 50,000 people. We have had an active Collaborative Group here since August 2000. All but 2 or 3 of the lawyers who do much family law are members of our group. We have all had training in the Collaborative Process (Chip Rose), in Mediation and in Interest Based Negotiation Skills.

Collaborative Law is a method of practicing law where the parties and the lawyers representing them sign a contract in which they agree to work towards settlement. If the parties are unable to settle and adversarial proceedings are to be filed, the lawyers are required to withdraw. New lawyers must be obtained for trial. In this method, the attorneys must focus on settlement and are free to use their creative problem solving skills. Communication is respectful and the process is future-focused.