Collaborative Law: Not as Easy as You Think!

Collaborative Law: Not as Easy as You Think

I am so lucky to share space with collaborative law guru Tonya Alexander of Alexander Law PC.

I think collaborative law appeals to divorcing couples because they believe that it gives them more control over the outcome of their divorce. As Tonya describes, at the heart of the collaborative process are team meetings where both parties are involved every step of the way. Collaborative law is supposed to be a peaceful process. But I have learned it is not as easy as you think.

Recently, I had a collaborative law experience in a team meeting with another attorney and our clients. Things got heated. At one point my client and I removed ourselves for a much needed break. It was intense when the four of us were all together in one room. The attorneys tried to stop the clients from unproductive arguing.

Later, I debriefed Tonya. I told her that I have a new respect for her. Tonya looked at me and said, “Did you think (collaborative law) was just sitting around singing Kumbaya?”

Note: Collaborative law, also known as collaborative practice, divorce or family law,^[1] is a legal process enabling couples who have decided to separate or end their marriage to work with their lawyers and, on occasion, other family professionals in order to avoid the uncertain outcome of court and to achieve a settlement that best meets the specific needs of both parties and their children without the underlying threat of litigation. The process allows parties to have a fair settlement. The voluntary process is initiated when the couple signs a contract (a “participation agreement”) binding each other to the process and disqualifying their respective lawyer’s right to represent either one in any future family-related litigation. Source: wikipedia.org