What do Collaborative Lawyers Do?
Lawyers in CollabLaw.org help separating partners communicate toward a peaceful resolution that is based on a full discussion of both parties' needs. And we discuss how those separate needs can be met by forming a cooperative solution that benefits the entire family. How do we do that? Here is a general overview of how the process works:
Each client has his/her own Collaborative Lawyer. Most meetings occur as four-way meetings with both lawyers and both clients working together, collecting information, discussing solutions at a table in the same room.
First, the Collaborative Lawyers will help the partners/spouses gather and share information about their assets, debts, cash-flow, children, and other issues. Each lawyer will help identify the legal and other issues that relate to the information and will make recommendations about other resources that may help bring resolution. For example, if a business appraisal is needed, options for getting that information will be discussed. Then the Collaborative Lawyers will help the partners distinguish their needs and expectations. And finally Collaborative Lawyers will help the partners evaluate and generate options for resolving their issues.
The information gathering process includes financial information, of course. But it also involves gathering personal information, information about the needs and feelings of each spouse, about the needs and feelings of the kids, and any other information that is necessary for a fully informed, fair discussion geared toward resolving the family's conflict. The collaborative process relies on full disclosure of all pertinent information.
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