COLLABORATIVE LAW is needs based resolution. Each party with their separate attorneys work to determine what the family needs are and how to best get through the divorce in a healthy more productive way. In COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE, the parties agree not to involve the Court. While the Court needs to sign the final decree, the parties do not file any documents with the Court until all agreements are final. Those choosing COLLABORATIVE LAW for their divorce, also agree and choose a transparent process. This means that all information, be it financial disclosures, reasons for parenting issues, or anything else, will be openly shared between the parties and professionals. So while you do still share an attorney-client privilege with your counsel, there is an understanding that all necessary disclosures - financial or otherwise - will be made voluntarily. This transparency also means that the communication is elevated from you and your attorney to both parties and both attorneys. Often this goes a step further with the involvement of financial neutrals and divorce coaches. Collaborative professionals around the world have found that the transparency is the key to trust between the parties in this very uncertain time.
In some instances, the coaches and the attorneys discuss what each party may need from the group of professionals or the other party. Often as finances are so stressful for people, the financial neutral will invite the divorce coaches to their meeting without the attorneys. Sometimes the lawyers are the least involved until it is time to put everything into writing. Again, every family is different, and our work is based on the needs of the family.
The Peak-to-Peak professionals are constantly striving to become more educated and better able to help our clients. We meet on a monthly basis to discuss our work and receive training on everything from parenting plans to the division of retirment benefits. As a mixed group of professionals, we bring insight from the legal, mental health and financial perspectives for each other to consider. We all agree that this understanding has made all of us better professionals for our clients. We look forward to working with you soon.
