how to become a collaborative lawyer

The Uniform Collaborative Process Act and the Need for Collaborative Professionals

Now more than ever, the Collaborative Process is gaining momentum in Florida with lawyers, financial professionals, and mental health professionals assisting families navigate their divorce. On July 1, 2017, Florida’s Collaborative Law Process Act became law as Section 61.56 Florida Statutes.

The Benefits of Collaborative Practice

Lawyers, financial professionals, and mental health professionals who work with divorcing clients are all finding multiple benefits to Collaborative Process instead of traditional court based divorce.

Learn

Complete the 14-hour Introductory Collaborative Practice training (virtually or in person).

What is the collaborative process?

Typically, the collaborative process begins with a client choosing, with his or her attorney, to use that process to resolve a family dispute. While it is possible for the client’s initial contact to be with a mental-health professional or a financial professional, the initial gatekeeper is usually an attorney.

When did the Florida Collaborative Law Process Act become effective?

2 The act and the rules became effective as of July 1, 2017. This article explains the rules, ...

What is a mental health professional in Florida?

In Florida, a mental-health professional is typically used as a neutral facilitator in the process. That professional brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the settlement negotiating process, including knowledge of family dynamics and abusive relationships.

Is collaborative law legal in Florida?

There will now be uniformity in the practice of collaborative law in Florida. Attorneys will not be able to represent to clients that they use the collaborative process unless they comply with the statute, rule of procedure, and rule of professional conduct.

What are the issues to consider when conducting a collaborative case?

This includes issues such as: first meetings, financial disclosure, arrangements for children, developing options, drafting, types of payment and much more.

What is collaborative practice in family mediation?

Collaborative practice is a process in which those involved in family breakdown, whether or not they’re a couple or other family members, appoint an impartial third person to assist them to communicate better with one another and reach their own agreed and informed decisions concerning some , or all, of the issues relating to separation, divorce, children, finance or property by negotiation. This section considers the different factors that make family mediation a principled and structured process.

When is the collaborative practice forum 2021?

Opportunity to ask questions within this interactive webinar. This is from the Collaborative Practice Forum which took place on 24th March 2021. This opens in a new window.

What is a four way meeting?

1. The Initial Meeting with the Client; 2. Preparation Meeting with Client for Collaborative (can be combined with 1. above); 3. First pre-four way meeting between lawyers (NB parallel or further interdisciplinary; 4. First four way meeting; 5. Intermediate four way meetings; 6. Final four way meeting

Who are the main forces behind the Certainty Project?

Nadia Beckett, Julian Bremner, Margaret Kelly and Karin Walker four of the main forces behind ‘The Certainty Project’ explain about this innovative way of working and how it can assist your practice at this time of change.

What is collaborative professional in Ontario?

Collaborative professionals in Ontario are transforming the divorce experience for their clients using interest-based negotiations in a supportive, inter-disciplinary team environment. Leave behind the negativity created in an adversarial climate. Resolve conflict in a more human-centred approach.

When did collaborative practice start?

A Growing, Supportive Community. Since its beginnings in Minnesota in 1990, collaborative practice has expanded globally. Stu Webb dreamed of a supportive, transparent, peaceful process that would benefit the clients as well as the professionals working with them, and that would necessarily avoid going to court.

Can collaborative practice be done alone?

By its nature, the collaborative process cannot be done alone ; it requires a team. Membership provides networking and training at practice group meetings, conferences and social events. You will be offered support as a new member, as well as opportunities to learn, and to grow your collaborative practice.

What is the Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals?

The Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals is Florida’s statewide organization of lawyers, financial and mental health professionals whose mission is to guide families to peaceful divorce without going to Court using the Collaborative Process.

How long does it take to get divorce in Florida?

78% of collaborative divorce cases in Florida complete in less than 6 months, and over 91% complete in less than 9 months. In Florida, more than 85% of all collaborative cases end with a full agreement.

What is collaborative process in divorce?

The Collaborative Process addresses all issues in divorce: parenting plans – timesharing with children, division of assets and liabilities, property and business values, and child support and spousal support ( alimony).

Is a collaborative divorce confidential?

Information exchanged in the Collaborative divorce process is confidential. In a traditional courtroom divorce, all the details related to your children, your money and your disagreements are public and available for anyone to see. Collaborative divorce provides families with an unparalleled level of privacy, so that the decisions regarding your family are for your eyes only

Can a collaborative attorney represent you in court?

Your Collaborative attorneys cannot represent you in Court if you do not get to full resolution in the Collaborative Process.#N#This helps ensure that agreements are reached because everyone on the team is dedicated to a fair and equitable outcome that meets the client’s goals.

Registered Collaborative Professional

• Registered Collaborative Family Lawyers / Registered Financial Professionals / Registered Mental Health Professionals and Coaches Fee: $400.00 / year (plus GST) Benefits: 1. Voting privileges in elections and general meetings 2. Networking opportunities 3. Use of a public profile on the website 4. Eligibility to run for the Board of Directors 5. Discounted membership in the Internati…

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Associate Membership

Student-at-Law Membership