In a collaborative family law process, all parties agree to jointly reach a child custody decision that will serve the best interest of the child. Here are some principles that parents should remember when considering the collaborative law process.
1. Learn About the Collaborative Law Practice in Advance
Parents should read and sign the Principles and Guidelines for the Practice of Collaborative Law. This is the first step in the collaborative law process because it explains the entire process. Parents will be able to understand what's involved with the non-adversarial process.
2. Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Parents must agree to open communication. Parents should speak honestly about themselves and their children. Parents should remember that the goal of collaborative law is to ensure that parents reach the best decision for the children involved and not themselves.
3. Cooperate
Parents must agree to cooperate in the collaborative law process. Parents should try to settle the case as early as possible. The better the communication and cooperation between parents, the better the chances of a positive impact on the children.
4. Avoid Court Intervention
Parents should avoid court intervention at all costs. In fact, parents should not even threaten court, as collaborative law is not conducive to threats. Parents should always consider the best interests of the child.
5. Keep the Children Where They Are
Parents should not remove minor children from their home state during the collaborative law process. Removal of the children will most certainly create some animosity and hostility and will probably prevent the case from continuing in a friendly, cooperative manner.
6. Don't Touch Assets
Parents should not transfer, hide, or cancel any financial assets. Parents should be open to offering any pertinent information, including financial information to assist in reaching the best decision for the children involved.