What is a Two Session Divorce?

Session One:
Meeting with the Mediator to decide the plan and what is needed from each party. Then each party will meet separately with their representation to decide what they want to receive from the separation.

Session Two:
Both parties return to meet with the mediator and their representation and make decisions on what happens next with assets, estate, money, and children. It is then agreed upon and begins to be placed into effect.

OUTLINE:

The Two Session Model

1. Intake
– Initial Client meeting to understand the case.
– Assess sustainability: 15 questionnaire for the collaborative process.
– Provide information about the collaborative model.

2. Prepare for Session One
– Gather necessary information.
– Outline goals and concerns before session one.

3. Session One
– Joint meeting with both parties and attorneys.
– Establish the collaborative ground rules.
– Identify common goals.

4. Debrief
– Separate meetings with each party and attorney.
– Clarify concerns and expectations.

5. Homework
– Research and Gather necessary information.
– Encourage communication between offices.

6. Prepare for Session Two
– Review completed tasks.
– Plan discussion points for next session.
– Homework fully complete and parenting plan 80% to agreement.

7. Session Two
– Joint meeting for further negotiation.
– Address issues.
– Evaluate potential resolutions.

8. Debrief
– Separate meetings to discuss progress.
– Evaluate the possibility of collaboration.

9. Drafting
– Collaborative team begins to prepare legal documents.
– Look over documents to make sure they align with agreed terms.

10. Signing
– Joint meeting to sign final documents.

How does it all work?

  • Scope of Attorney role
    • Provide legal guidance that align with the collaborative bounds.
    • Push for communication and negotiation.
  • Document Delivery and Case Management
    • Timely delivery of legal documents.
    • Organization and management of the case
  • Relationship between Attorneys
    • Have a cooperative and respectful working relationship.

What is unique about a Collaborative participation agreement?

  • Confidence, Candor and Honesty
    • Advising Clients and the importance of full disclosure
    • Fiduciary duties and confidence in the process
    • Importance of gathering information on difficult family law issues (e.g., addiction, infidelity, coercive control, intimate partner violence)