The collaborative law process is a structured environment for dispute resolution. It is unlike mediation because before beginning the process, both parties and all participants need to have a full commitment. With everyone’s buy-in the chances of success are very high; the national success rate is 86% according to www.collaborativepracticeflorida.com. These are cases that ended with a full resolution of all issues.
Real success with the collaborative process happens when “all parties are happy, and relationships are intact” As defined by Adam Cordover, the former president of Tampa Bay Academy of Collaborative Professionals (TBACP).
The collaborative process can help resolve the various disputes that naturally occur between two parties, such as partnership disputes, contract infringement, divorce, and many others.
The process begins with each party hiring their attorney. The attorneys keep the specific interests of their client at the top of their minds, but ultimately seek conflict resolution during the process.
A mental health expert is utilized to facilitate all full-team meetings. Let’s face it; even the most even-keeled person can get a little stressed while in conflict. The mental health expert has the job of recognizing when the emotional stresses threaten the success of the process.
A financial neutral, typically a CPA or a CFP, provides impartial and objective financial analysis in the case. This is important, as many conflicts begin and resolve over issues surrounding money.
The parties involved have ultimate control over the outcome. The job of these professionals is to simply guide the parties through the process to a healthy resolution.
Consider a collaborative approach in the next dispute you have with someone with whom you want to keep a relationship.