Next Level Training – Leading Clients To The Collaborative Process

Next Level Training – Leading Clients To The Collaborative Process

THE NEXT LEVEL Training

Have you completed the Introductory Collaborative Practice Training but not opened as many cases as you would like ideally? Maybe you took the training a long time ago and now want to open more cases.

This is the course for you.

We focus on how you can lead potential new clients to the Collaborative process every time.

Over the course of five two-hour sessions, you will learn how:

  1. How to explain the benefits of the Collaborative Practice process to potential clients;
  2. The proven steps of an interest-based client consultation so that you can customize how Collaborative Practice will meet your client’s needs;
  3. Techniques to overcome the reluctance of the other spouse;
  4. Ways to overcome the reluctance of the other lawyer;
  5. How to make the paradigm shift yourself so that you are not the problem;
  6. Talking to clients about Collaborative Practice;
  7. How to debunk the myths about Collaborative Practice including:
    • It costs too much;
    • It is only meant for simple cases;
    • It is only meant for complicated cases;
    • It cannot deal with high conflict cases or people;
    • The Family/Financial professional is not necessary;
    • The disqualification clause is unnecessary and not in your client’s interests;
    • Any other objections you want debunked.

Be prepared to do some homework between sessions. To become an effective Collaborative Practice professional, you need to do the work. Homework will help ensure you have made the paradigm shift.

Next program can start from Thursday, January 27 to February 24 from 9 am to 11 am. Please contact the YCP team for more information about joining this session.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Collaborative Family Law (CFL) is a better alternative to help families resolve the issues arising out of a separation. Click here to learn more about what CFL is, the benefits, the negotiation process, the professionals involved, and how you can start. 

A mediator is a neutral person who assists the parties to work out a settlement. The mediator does not act for either party and does not provide legal advice. In a typical family law mediation, the clients attend mediation without their lawyers. 

Lawyers for each of the parties then provide independent legal advice regarding any proposed agreements. In a CFL negotiation, each of the parties has a full team present. Each team would provide legal advice, emotional support, and financial planning. The team will work to guide the parties to the best settlement possible.

Most family issues can benefit from the CFL process including issues concerning child custody and visitation; spousal and child support; property and the family home and changes to existing arrangements.

In a CFL negotiation, the parties and their team commit to resolving the dispute in a cross-disciplinary fashion that no other process offers.  In a traditional family law negotiation, the court may be used as a bargaining tool.

In a CFL negotiation, the parties explore options for resolution that fits their individual family’s needs. In a traditional negotiation, typically, only legal options are considered.

In a CFL negotiation, the team works with the client to develop a settlement that that best meets the goals of both parties. In a traditional negotiation, each lawyer advocates solutions that best meet their client’s goals.

In a CFL negotiation, the clients have a voice and take responsibility for resolving the issues in an interest-based approach. In a traditional negotiation, it is the lawyers who maintain control of the process.

Difficult communication is a very reasonable part of the process post-separation. Despite your differences, the common goal remains the same, resolving the issue in a cost-efficient way that avoids a lengthy court battle. The collaborative process helps keep things moving and reach an amicable result.

Collaborative family law has both parties sign a participation agreement that agrees to generate options and a mutually acceptable settlement.

Collaboratively trained professionals are present during negotiations to help defuse conflict and guide discussion. The goal of this form of conflict resolution is to help keep things productive and non-confrontational.

The guiding principle of the entire collaborative practice is a sense of respect. The tone of the entire process is made to foster cooperation, respect, and mutual understanding. Collaborative professionals are trained specifically how to create a non-confrontational environment, and focus on areas of agreement. Members involved in the process have a family and child-first mentality, they want what’s best for your family and your future.

Each of the parties will be responsible for paying the fees of his or her own collaborative professionals; sometimes parties agree to share the total fees incurred. The expenses of a negotiation will vary depending on the complexity of the issues and the commitment of clients to work towards a resolution. 

If children are involved in your dispute, collaborative family law offers a holistic approach that focuses on the best interest of the children. Our professionals are trained to help create an atmosphere of open communication that encourages trust and respect. If one of your main goals is co-operative parenting, then collaborative practice will help you achieve that.

From our experience, major roadblocks become easier to navigate as you begin to work with a collaborative professional. Our experienced team have handled a variety of complex cases, and know what the cost and outcome will likely look like in court, and will be able to use that as a reference to motivate both parties to achieve an outcome through collaboration. 

If there is an impasse, our team meets and works together to resolve the conflict, keeping negotiations productive.  

Ready to start with the collaborative family law?

Achieve a settlement in a dignified, respectful, creative and cost effective way. York Collaborative Practice provides an opportunity for you to maintain the integrity of your family as you transition through separation and divorce. 

It all starts with reaching out. Browse our list of professionals and find the right person to support you or your family, and reach out to begin moving forward. 

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