Collaborative Process

The Collaborative Process offers an alternative non-adversarial solution to disputes. The Collaborative Process is beneficial in resolving family law disputes, such as the end of a marriage, where, for the sake of children, the parents must continue a respectful relationship. It can also be useful in custody disputes. The parents can work with attorneys and mental health specialists to arrive at a parenting plan and custodial arrangement that the entire family can live with. The resolution usually comes at a fraction of the cost of litigation and certainly with significantly less conflict. In estate disputes, where it is important that familial relationships remain intact, the Collaborative Process is also beneficial.  In both family and estate disputes, the Collaborative Process begins with a pledge not to go to court and an honest exchange of information by all parties. After working collaboratively with one another, attorneys, and sometimes other professionals, such as financial advisors or mental health professionals, the process ends with a solution that serves the needs of family. By honestly exchanging all information and expressing all the goals, even the latent ones, the parties can work together to arrive at a creative solution that everyone is happy with. Paula S. Hall is a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP), and the Collaborative Council of the Redwood Empire (CCRE). She continually participates in specialized training to provide collaborative skills to her clients.