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Principles of Collaborative Law

Neither party nor his or her attorney will use the public judicial process during the course of the Collaborative Law Process.

The Attorneys...
 
  •      		 Advise their respective clients of the law that applies to the parties' circumstances.
     
  •      		 Model for their clients a commitment to honesty, dignified behavior, and mutual respect.
     
  •      		 Guide their clients to find creative solutions to problems with the help of neutral experts if needed.
     
  •      		 Model for their clients the ability to hear and understand (active listening) what is important to the opposing party so that the interests of both parties are promoted.
     
  •      		 Cooperate with each other to provide all necessary disclosure and discovery.
     
  •      		 Remain committed to settlement despite impasse and assist parties in reaching agreements and overcoming imp asses.
     
  •      		 Do not prepare or file any documents with the Court except with the mutual agreement of all concerned.
    The Parties...
     
  •      		 Participate in good faith to reach a negotiated agreement that addresses both parties' interests and concerns.
     
  •      		 Make full and fair disclosures to their attorneys and the other party of all facts pertinent to their legal matter.
     
  •      		 Do not ask or expect their attorneys to advance an unethical or illegal position.
     
  •      		 Strive to communicate respectfully and constructively with each other to settle their legal matter promptly and economically.
     
  •      		 Unless mutually agreed, discuss settlement only in the conference setting-not in the presence of the parties' children nor at unannounced times by telephone calls or appearance at one or the others' residence or place of employment.