OasisLMS

Created in partnership with the Central Ohio Association of Collaborative Professionals, this program will take practitioners through a live collaborative law case in the family law practice area.  This is part two of a six-part series.

This session discusses the collaborative law process in the context of family law, emphasizing its benefits as an alternative to traditional litigation in divorce cases. It outlines the principles and history of collaborative law, starting with the efforts of Stew Webb in 1990 and the eventual establishment of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act, which has been enacted in many states and countries.  This session also discusses how practitioners can position collaborative law to clients as a humane, efficient way to resolve family disputes while preserving relationships and focusing on positive outcomes.  The program also educates lawyers on the other needed professionals for the collaborative team and how to work with everyone to achieve best outcome for client.

1. Collaborative Process Principles
   • Parties pledge not to go to court
   • Honest and full exchange of information

   • Solutions prioritize the interests of all parties, including children

2. Roles in the Collaborative Process

   • Lawyers shift from litigator roles to facilitators
     1. Obligations of lawyer within process
   • Coaches (mental health professionals) assist with emotional and communication challenges
     1. Parties rely on coach to be neutral
     2. Provide education to clients on impact on children, creative parenting plan options
     3. Trained on collaborative process
   • Financial specialists provide neutral financial advice
     1. Identify and address financial issues
     2. Tax implications
3. Benefits of collaborative process
   • Less costly and stressful
   • More creative and personalized solutions
   • Promotes cooperative resolution

Live Collaborative Case Scene Two  - Meeting with the Family Coach

This scene you will walk through a meeting between a family coach and one of the parties (Henry) to review concerns about the about the separation process and his communication, parenting, financial management, and goals for the future.  It illustrates how the family coach works with clients during this process and how to navigate the initial meeting.  Gives attorneys insight into what to expect during that first meeting allowing them to help manage client expectations.

1.0 CLE Credit

Producers: 

Elaine S. Buck, Esq. 

Heather G. Sowald, Esq. 

Assistant Producers: 

Donald Morris, C.D.F.A. 

Jessica Simmons, C.F.P., C.D.F.A. 

Mary Lewis, Esq. 

Terrie Austin, C.F.P., C.D.F.A. 

Cast and speakers:

Eric Johnson, Esq.

Elaine S. Buck, Esq. 

Martha is played by Lynne Rouzer, Ph.D. 

Henry is played by: Brian Henry 

Martha’s attorney is played by: Mary Turner Lewis, Esq. 

Henry’s attorney is played by: S. Scott Haynes, Esq. 

Financial Neutral is played by: Beth Petrie, C.P.A., C.V.A. 

Family Coach is played by: Mary T. Johnston, M.B.A., M.S.E., LPCC-S