Information about Collaborative Practice for Clients - Page 2
What will you and your spouse do?
First, you will each meet alone with your own lawyer to identify your concerns and learn about the Collaborative Practice Process.
Then you and your Collaborative lawyer and your spouse and his/her Collaborative lawyer will meet together so all four can discuss what is important to you, what concerns you have and what you need to talk about.
At all meetings where you, your spouse and both lawyers are present, you will follow the Collaborative Practice Process.
Meetings vary in length but most are less than 3 hours long.
Both clients and both lawyers will treat each other with respect.
Both clients and both lawyers will listen to each other's perspectives, interests and concerns.
Both clients and both lawyers will gather all of the information each client needs.
Both clients and both lawyers will explore all possible options.
You and your spouse will both focus on the future to find solutions acceptable to both of you.
What will your collaborative lawyers do?
Your lawyer will give you legal advice.
Both lawyers will be honest and respectful.
Both lawyers will guide the Collaborative Practice meetings.
Your lawyer will represent you, but will also listen to your spouse. Your spouse's lawyer will represent your spouse, but will also listen to you.
Both lawyers are trained in the Collaborative Practice Process to manage emotional or difficult situations.
Both lawyers will point out unreasonable expectations.
Both lawyers will use clear language when speaking and writing.
Both lawyers will cooperate in gathering all information required or requested to let the clients reach a solution acceptable to them.
Both lawyers will work hard to help you and your spouse reach an agreement.
Neither lawyer will go to court before you and your spouse reach an agreement.
Once you and your spouse reach an agreement, both lawyers will help you finalize a formal agreement and obtain any necessary court approval.
