1. Introduction to Collaborative Divorce New York Association of Collaborative Professionals

2. Visit us on the web at nycollaborativeprofessionals.org Conventional Approach to Conflict

3. Visit us on the web at nycollaborativeprofessionals.org Collaborative Approach to Conflict

4. Visit us on the web at nycollaborativeprofessionals.org We know...  The civil system is poorly suited to family issues  Collaborative Divorce encourages clients to be creative in meeting their needs based on their unique circumstances.  The Collaborative Divorce process provides clients with experience they can use in future problem- solving.

5. Visit us on the web at nycollaborativeprofessionals.org What is Collaborative Divorce? A non-adversarial process for resolution of divorce issues featuring:  Legal advice  Full financial disclosure  Coaching on major life shift in family  Neutral financial advice  Neutral advice about the children

6. Visit us on the web at nycollaborativeprofessionals.org Collaborative Divorce  Respectful, informal meetings  Full voluntary disclosure  Representation without hostility  No litigation during Collaborative process  Professionals disqualified from litigation

7. Visit us on the web at nycollaborativeprofessionals.org Collaborative Divorce Team LEGAL Attorney for each spouse EMOTIONAL Divorce coach for each spouse FINANCIAL Neutral financial specialist CHILDREN Neutral child specialist

8. Visit us on the web at nycollaborativeprofessionals.org Int erest- Based Negotiations  Interest-based discussions result in better agreements than positional bargaining.  Parties share more interests than they originally thought.  Parties work toward solutions that work for everyone.

9. Visit us on the web at nycollaborativeprofessionals.org How Does This Work ?  Each client has his or her own lawyer  Meet in a cooperative four-way setting  Parties create an individualized plan for their family

10. Visit us on the web at nycollaborativeprofessionals.org Role of the Lawyer Guide negotiations Give legal information Put law in context Draft agreements Problem solve

11. Visit us on the web at nycollaborativeprofessionals.org Financial Neutral Role  Understand each individual’s concerns and goals  Gather and organize financial information  Discuss financial realities  Illustrate various settlement options  Help clients avoid common financial mistakes

12. Visit us on the web at nycollaborativeprofessionals.org Role of the Coach  Support client in divorce related issues  Act as an advisor regarding transition to single parent family  Manage emotional reactions that surface

13. Visit us on the web at nycollaborativeprofessionals.org Role of the Coach  Collaborate with spouse’s coach to facilitate communication  Help lawyers understand family-related issues  Assists both clients with parenting plan

14. Visit us on the web at nycollaborativeprofessionals.org Role of the Child Specialist  Meet with parents together to understand concerns  Meet with children to assess needs  Make recommendations accordingly to both parents  Suggest other services if necessary

15. Visit us on the web at nycollaborativeprofessionals.org Expensive? No, because…  Targeted Help for specific problems  Enhanced communication shortens the process  Investment in future life of the family  Clients become educated in important areas

16. Visit us on the web at nycollaborativeprofessionals.org New York Association of Collaborative Professionals  Dedicated to excellence in Collaborative Practice.  Contact us to locate a professional or with any questions.  Web: nycollaborativeprofessionals.orgnycollaborativeprofessionals.org  Telephone: (212) 712-0121