What You Need To Know About Collaborative Family Law Calgary

By Ann Allen


For people that are divorcing or dealing with various other family problems, the alternative to resolution is collaborative family law. The people involved strive to reach a resolution together with the help of a family attorney. In certain instances, they also involve financial advisers and mental health counselors. The form of resolution will not involve any court processes. In consideration of collaborative family law Calgary residents need to be well versed with what it involves.

Originally, the process was developed to be used for divorce cases. To make it a success, the parties involved should agree to participate in the out of court process. It cannot be a success if either of them does not have respect for the other or are already adversarial. The couple also needs to comply with dispute resolution terms. It is important that parties involved agree with the dispute resolution terms.

If there are kids involved, the parties need to agree that the children will not be dragged into the proceedings. As much as possible, there needs to be a stable environment as the resolutions are reached. The function of the attorney will not be to litigate or offer defense to a client. As a matter of fact. Each party should have their attorney. The main work of attorneys is to help in figuring out issues that border on splitting assets, child custody and child support. These are among the most emotive issues.

In collaborative processes, professional counselors will need to be consulted. Whenever the parties are trying to sort out emotionally charged disputes, a counselor will come in handy. When situations like that arise, they will assist both parties in dealing with a range of emotions. The counselor is also able to assist couples in developing coping skills and how to effectively communicate with each other. This is useful because parties want to remain friends, more so if kids are involved.

There will need to be a first meeting between the attorney and his client so that the process is discussed in depth. If an agreement is reached, attorneys for both parties will meet to agree on what needs to be discussed in the first joint meeting. In the joint meeting, the couple and attorneys will be present so that ground rules are laid.

There is then signing of a contract that binds everyone to use the collaborative process. When that is done, both parties decide on what the next step should be and as such there may be further meetings organized. All binding issues are ideally discussed in meetings that involve all parties. Mutual respect and trust will be key to having a successful process. Also important are commitment and honesty.

In case for a reason or the other the process breaks down, all the discussions that you had will be considered confidential. They cannot be referred to in court processes or for future negotiations. It is a fundamental principle. However, majority of cases tend to be successful and thus planning for failure never comes in.

In case there is success in the resolution, there will be preparation of a binding separation agreement by the attorney. It is a reflection of all issues that were agreed upon. The document is signed by both parties.




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