Collaboration is key

The adage ‘pulling together in the same direction” is profoundly a propos in family law negotiations The planning, expressing interests, and weaving reasonable expectations into a thoughtful and practical contract is hard work and the resultant durable agreement worthwhile. While conflict may arise and roadblocks temporarily slow progress, exacerbating differences isn’t tolerated.

That collaboration is key becomes evident during the out of court negotiation process. Listening to each other’s perspective helps develop a holistic understanding of the family’s current state. That shared insight leads to an integrated and thoughtful plan whether for a cohabitation agreement, marriage contract or separation agreement. It reinforces the central focus is that the negotiations are about the family: the children, relationships, the business, principled decision making, and financial security.

This dynamic means helping the other reach their target needs and wants. Transparency and vetted agendas ensure efficient and effective meetings. Again collaboration is key when developing manageable agendas and circulating sufficiently in advance. Communication protocols are provided to safeguard the principle that everyone has a voice and financial disclosure and relevant information is necessary to make informed decisions. These steps build confidence and trust in the private process.

Jointly retained advisors, as needed, focus on the children’s’ and spouses’ issues and not, as in traditional negotiation, critiquing the work of the other specialists. Collaboration is key among family law advisors to facilitate informative discussions with the family members and provide their experience to craft a unique financial and property settlement. Cooperation reduces costs on several levels while instilling trust and maximizing the expertise and skill sets of the professionals.

By using the cooperative approach each spouse recognizes urgent matters deserving of their prompt attention, understands the long term big picture, and becomes empowered in the process. Being fully engaged in a positive process to develop, discover, and uncover a better way forward for the family business and future relationships with the children.

While collaboration is key, it is not for everyone. It’s an approach for those whose understand the value of working together and making decisions together. It’s confirming the belief and practice that partners making decisions together become responsible as joint authors for those decisions. Collaboration is for parents who realize that negotiation roadblocks can become a wealth of opportunities. It’s for spouses who expect civility and respect in a safe environment to speak freely to discuss all interests.

From an exploration of financial strengths to advancing a child focused parenting arrangements, spouses and partners work face to face with their collaboratively lawyers and necessary family law advisors. They appreciate that hearing different perspectives brings opportunity to explore beyond their comfort zone. Being like- minded on sharing responsibility for foreseeable business transitions benefits the family and the ongoing operations for next generations.