Couples going through the divorce process need all the support they can marshal. The free flow of information among
Team members helps the couple go through the divorce process with the enhanced potential for improved communication and parenting
skills, as well as a better understanding of money matters.
Who Are the Members of the Team, and What Do They Do?
Collaborative Lawyers
Each spouse is represented by a family-law collaborative
lawyer as part of the Team with the understanding that the attorneys will work with the couple for settlement, normally through
four-way conferences, and will not engage in adversarial court proceedings. When
settlement is accomplished, the collaborative lawyers will process the agreement without court appearances.
Coaches
Each spouse has a coach who usually is a licensed mental health professional.
The Coach for each person:
- Works to reduce the individual's personal stress
- Helps coach positive parenting skills and develop a parenting plan
- Teaches communication skills
- Gives valuable input to the Team in order to facilitate settlement
Family Consultant
The child specialist:
- Assesses the children's reaction to family changes, addressing each child's
worries, hopes, fears and needs
- Listens to parent's fears and concerns about the children
- Gives feedback to parents about the children and their needs
- Works with the parents to develop a parenting plan
- Assists the parents in learning skills to co-parent after divorce
Financial Specialist
A neutral professional with financial
skills:
- Assists the couple in collecting the financial information
- Assesses financial issues and analyzes tax consequences
- Develops a financial plan which addresses the long term financial welfare
of each spouse
- Provides assistance with practical financial matters such as budgets, debt
and checkbook management when necessary
- Is available to the Team as a resource
