Collaborative

The Collaborative process is a way to resolve family law matters confidentially and without adversarial litigation. With the assistance of a team composed of two attorneys, a financial professional, and a mental health professional, you can address your individual and shared priorities for the unique needs of your family. The Collaborative team will provide support and guidance to assist you with thoughtfully and creatively problem solving a mutually acceptable, durable agreement.

As a Collaboratively trained mental health professional, Dr. Kelly serves as a neutral facilitator and family professional. She will help guide the Collaborative process and Collaborative meetings. She will assist with communication, problem-solving, navigating emotions, and achieving outcomes that reflect both clients’ interests. If children are involved, Dr. Kelly will help parents create a workable parenting plan and build constructive co-parenting.

In addition to divorce, the Collaborative process is also an option for resolving post-divorce modifications, paternity, pre-nuptial, and post-nuptial agreements.

How do I get started?

A Collaborative process can be initiated by scheduling a consultation with any potential member of the Collaborative team.  For example, you can schedule an individual consultation with a Collaborative attorney, or you and your partner can schedule a joint consultation with Dr. Kelly.  If you do not have a Collaborative attorney, Dr. Kelly will be able to assist you with resources for identifying trained Collaborative lawyers.

What to expect with Collaborative?

Once you have engaged your Collaborative lawyer and committed to the Collaborative process, your attorney will ask you to schedule an initial individual appointment with Dr. Kelly. During this meeting, you will have an opportunity to discuss your questions, concerns, and priorities. Dr. Kelly will also provide additional information and resources based on your needs for the process. Subsequent meetings primarily involve Team meetings and if children, parenting plan meetings.

Want to learn more?

For more information regarding Collaborative practice and to locate Collaborative professionals please visit the resources below.

• Collaborative Family Law Group of Central Florida
• Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals
• International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.