Frequently Asked Questions
How are decisions made in Collaborative Law?
Attorneys who practice Collaborative Law are trained to help their clients focus on life issues – not legal jargon. They help clients to focus on the real and ultimate questions of how both marriage partners can plan responsibly for their separate financial futures; how to plan a parenting arrangement which provides the children with what they need from both parents; and all other issues which are necessary and of concern to the partners.
Frequently, Collaborative Law uses outside resources in financial planning, appraisal, child psychology, and other areas, to help the partners get the information they need to make decisions over these issues. These outside resources are also trained in the collaborative method, to help the couple create a solution which takes everyone’s needs and concerns (including children) carefully into account.
The Collaborative Law participation agreement requires all participants (the partners and their legal counsel) to make full exchanges of information during the process. Meetings are held with the partners and their attorneys in attendance, to determine what issues need to be decided and how to decide them. At the end of the process, all legal documentation is prepared and delivered to the Court, incorporating the agreements of the partners. There are no court appearances.
The point of Collaborative Law is to supply both partners with the information and confidence they need to make good decisions over matters which will affect the rest of their lives. Everything is done which can be done to remove a climate of fear from the decision making process, to help the couple make the best decisions possible.
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