Happy fall and welcome to the CFLCW blog – Wisconsin Collab+Blog!
Autumn is often associated with new beginnings, as it is back-to-school time, and we are excited to launch this new platform. Our goal is to provide more information about Collaborative practice and divorce. Although the Collaborative model is increasingly utilized, a good portion of the general public still is unaware of this alternative dispute resolution process.
Why aren’t more people aware of Collaborative Divorce? There are a variety of reasons. First, despite the fact that approximately 50% of all first marriages end in divorce, there often continues to be a stigma around the divorce process. People are reluctant to talk to others, seek information, and ask questions due to a perceived sense of failure.
Second, collaborative divorces don’t get a lot of press—in a good way. They are not the divorces you see in movies and tv shows with dramatic court scenes and “shark” attorneys. They don’t usually make headlines. They don’t typically drag out for years with each party striving to make sure each other “pays.”
Finally, people use the word “collaborative” in confusing ways. Some attorneys may describe themselves as collaborative to indicate that they like to work cooperatively with all parties involved. Although their interpersonal style may indeed be collaborative, they are often not working in the Collaborative divorce model.
I like to differentiate between those folks and Collaboratively trained professionals by referring to the latter as “Collaborative with a capital C.” These are lawyers, mental health professionals, and financial specialists who have been trained in the Collaborative Divorce process, who see the Collaborative team as a resource for families, who are focused on interest-based negotiation, and who strive to reach a mutual agreement that is driven by the values and goals of the clients. As you can imagine, this entails much more than working “collaboratively” with your spouse’s attorney. It reflects a commitment to working to maximize positive outcomes for families, both in the present and the future.
We hope you will find the information in our blog practical, helpful, and supportive. Return often to read new posts. Our sincere hope is that if the divorce process is a new beginning that you are considering, we can help you and your family with the transition and beyond. – Jill Klotz Flitter, PhD.
