What are The Mechanics of the Collaborative Law Process?
Each lawyer and client and the communications coach and financial planner meet in what are called a “joint sessions.” These sessions are scheduled as closely as the parties wish. In between the joint sessions, the parties meet with the communications coach and financial planner to work on the clients’ interests, goals, and options in the case. In cases involving children, some parties also engage the services of a child specialist to assist them in developing a parenting plan that will be the most beneficial to the parties and their children. At first blush, one might think that bringing in these additional professionals would make the expense greater, but what we have found is the contrary. Because the parties are able to develop their interests, goals and options with either the communications coach or the financial professional (at a much lower hourly rate than the attorneys), fewer joint sessions are needed and the cases settle more smoothly and more cost effectively overall. When
