Attorneys
Collaborative attorneys represent clients who desire to use the traditional Collaborative process. Each client retains a Collaborative attorney to counsel them, advise about the law and provide skilled guidance through an out-of-court settlement process.
Collaborative attorneys are licensed to practice law and have acquired skills in client focused problem-solving and negotiation, and completed mediation training. They are also trained in Collaborative Practice and are experienced in working with other members of your Collaborative team (financial and mental health providers) to help your family meet its goals.
Coaches
Coaches work with one or both spouses in a Collaborative process to provide coaching and expertise in the areas of conflict resolution, decision-making, effective communication skills, problem-solving, emotion regulation, and family relationships.
Coaches are licensed mental health professionals with advanced training in communication, family systems, conflict resolution, mediation. They are also trained in Collaborative Practice and are experienced in working with other members of your Collaborative team (attorneys, financial neutral and other mental health providers) to help your family meet its goals.
Child Specialists
The Child Specialist works with both parents on child-centered issues related to a separation or divorce, including Parenting Plans. They often meet with children in a safe environment to provide support and help parents have a deeper understanding of children’s perspectives on how family can work best moving forward. Child Specialists may also be involved in situations with adult children.
Child Specialists are licensed mental health professionals with advanced training in communication, family systems, child-development, conflict resolution, mediation. They are also trained in Collaborative Practice and are experienced in working with other members of your Collaborative team to help your family meet its goals.
Financial Neutrals
Financial Neutrals work with you to resolve your concerns around money and divorce. The two main financial areas in most divorces are property division and cash flow. Property division involves accounting for and dividing up all assets and liabilities, including real estate, businesses, bank accounts and investments, retirement assets, personal property, automobiles, and all debts. Cash flow includes child support, spousal maintenance and other expense sharing options that help support two homes.
Collaborative financial professionals are trained and licensed in their financial field and include certified public accounts (CPA), certified financial planning practitioners (CFP®), and Certified divorce financial analysts (CDFA).
Facilitators
A Collaborative Facilitator is a neutral professional in a collaborative divorce. He or she is oftentimes utilized as a team leader and communication specialist within the collaborative process. He or she generally has a background in family dynamics, childhood development, and/or conflict management. They are often licensed and trained in the area of marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, social work, or psychology. However, the Collaborative Facilitator is not engaging in therapy as part of the collaborative process; their role to serve as type of "case manager", keeping the Team on track and assisting you and your partner manage your case.