Pushing a door from both sides uses a lot of energy and does not allow it to open; pushing together in one direction can open a world of possibility. Your goal—our goal—will be to work together towards an agreement that achieves the solutions that work for you in the most efficient manner possible. From the moment we meet, we’ll establish an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect. Typically, my mediation and collaborative law process looks something like the following…
Steps
MEDIATE
RESOLVE
LEGAL DOCUMENTS
A clear structure and practical agenda:
1. Contracting
2. Proceed by agreement
3. Set goals and
establish priorities
4. Identify each partner’s
interests, not their positions
5. Formulate options
Together we will expand the possibilities.
6. Evaluate options
Evaluate options in light of everyone’s interests.
7. Draft Agreement
Once both parties agree, I can prepare a “draft agreement,” and review it with both of you. I will strongly suggest that you also review the agreement with independent counsel. Once everyone is content with the terms, we execute a final version of the agreement. Once signed and acknowledged, the agreement becomes an enforceable legal contract. Together with other documents, it can also form the basis for an uncontested divorce.