Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kitsap Collaborative Law Alliance?
Kitsap Collaborative Law Alliance (KCLA) is an organization of independent family law professionals committed to reducing the expense and emotional trauma of divorce. Collaborative Law — also known as Collaborative Practice or Collaborative Divorce — is a new way for you to work with a team of trained lawyers, counselors, and financial planners to negotiate disputes respectfully, without going to court. It brings all the advantages of mediation while you also benefit from your own attorney’s support and advice, every step of the way.
What can I expect from a Collaborative Divorce?
Divorce is one of the most dramatic life changes you will ever experience. For many people, divorce is also their first major encounter with the legal system. You can’t go it alone — you will need advisors and allies.
What is a Collaborative Attorney?
These lawyers are specially trained in negotiation and conflict resolution skills that help their client move beyond emotional positions to reach a divorce settlement.
Collaborative Attorneys are committed to reaching agreement on all aspects of their divorce without going to court. This “no court” rule paves the way for an amicable settlement by eliminating the costly discovery requests, unnecessary court hearings, delays, and emotional posturing that often arise during adversarial litigation.
What is a Parenting Coordinator?
A Parenting Coordinator (PC) is a neutral professional who helps separated or divorced parents resolve child-related disagreements. Parents and their attorneys choose to involve a PC so they can avoid the frustration, expense, and emotional toll of repeated trips to court. PCs are typically lawyers or therapists with additional training in dispute resolution, and conflict coaching.
What is a Mediator?
Mediators are dispute resolution professionals who are trained to guide parties through a structured negotiation process. Mediators are impartial and neutral, meaning they have no relationship or obligation to either of the disputing parties.
What is a Divorce Coach?
Coaches are specially trained mental health professionals who help manage the collaborative process. They understand the emotional issues of dissolution so they can aid both parties in reducing the stress and upset of divorce.
Your Collaborative Attorney will help you understand legal and financial issues. But what about diffusing anger, setting goals for your life after divorce, and learning how to clearly state your needs during emotion-filled negotiations?
