The process of ending an established marriage can drain family finances relative to the animosity between spouses and the marriage rights at stake. Disagreements over property and child custody inevitably require many trips to the lawyers and extended court appearances.

The disruption in the lives of family members involves emotional fallout as it is without adding the frustration and anger over loss of money into the equation. The notion of collaborative law was thought up by American lawyer Stu Webb in 1990. Rather than using a neutral arbitrator each party is represented by a lawyer in a four-way negotiation. The family or divorce lawyers provide advice on the entitlements of each in a non-adversarial manner in order to bypass lengthy court procedures and the ongoing expenses of bitter litigation. The spouses sign a contract to renounce their right to threaten or pursue an action during the collaborative process. If one party later takes it to court both attorneys have to drop out and can no longer represent them, nor can they make use of any of the information disclosed.

In the past the divorce lawyer was stereotyped in comedy routines as the hand-wringing victor who was the beneficiary of a windfall every time an unfaithful husband got his just rewards in court. The real fact is that deep emotions are involved and those feeling can’t help but rub off on those interviewing them and hearing stories of neglect or abuse, not to any professional with a heartbeat. In homes where domestic violence has occurred and where children are involved the situation is delicate and even a repentant spouse may repeat the pattern that resulted in the split.

The attorneys choosing the collaborative route are specially trained in handling sensitive issues. Although first impression might suggest the lawyer is giving up hefty fees, the ultimate effect may prove to be more referrals and future business will come of the efficient and timely handling of the family crisis, and after all the time saved will enable the lawyer to accept more client cases. The deep financial recession puts pressure on the new lower middle class to the point where the legal fees of divorce cause less money to be available for the children. Separating is expensive and a court divorce is almost a luxury if the warring parties pit lawyers against each other in a long drawn-out conflict. Psychologists known in this context as “divorce coaches” and child psychologists counsel the family in preparation and the lawyers set the agenda and coach the spouses in four-way meetings.

Using the collaborative approach lawyers advise their respective clients of laws that apply to their circumstance, guide them a process of cooperative conflict to find solutions to problems, provide all disclosure and discovery, avoid using adversarial tactics, and model listening skills for each spouse so the interests of both are promoted. In this they can expedite the parting of the ways in a dignified manner, making the best of a bad situation.

Watch the video related to collaborative law

Separated? Divorce? Need a lawyer? Chose an attorney who practives Collaborative Law.

Help answer the question about collaborative law

Will you call Applebee's and Dunkin Donuts to give them your support?
Immigrant rights group calls for boycott

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=local&id=4615520

Dunkin Donuts, Applebee's accused of discrimination
By Evelyn Holmes
September 30, 2006 – A local group fighting for immigrant rights is calling for a boycott of two nationally known companies. Dunkin Donuts and Applebee's are accused of discriminating against immigrant workers whose names don't match their social security numbers.

Related Links
Watch the Video
On the 10th anniversary of what immigration reform advocates call stringent changes to immigration laws, supports of the legalization of the undocumented are once again speaking out — only this time, they are hoping not only to mobilize their vote, but also use their buying power to force the kind of change they want.

"The social security administration says it plans to send out 8 million no match letters," said Martino Unzuerta, Chicago Workers Collaborative.
The initial purpose of the social security administration's 'no match' letter was to credit workers unclaimed social security earnings. The agency routinely sends out 'no match' letters to a company when employees' names and social security numbers don't match possibly because of a spelling error, omission of information or a unreported name change. But immigration activists say some employers are now aggressively using the letters to fire immigrant workers.
"The Bush administration wants to give the appearance that they are cracking down on undocumented immigration and workers are an easy escape goat," said James Thindwa, Chicago Jobs with Justice.

Groups accuse several companies of the practice using 'no match' letters to immigrant workers who don't have valid social security numbers. They want the public to boycott businesses, including Applebee's and Dunkin Donuts. Neither company could be reached for comment.
Some immigration rights groups at Federal Plaza say it is no mistake there has been an increase in effort to curtail immigration reform. They have planned a day of fasting in protest of the 'no match' letters, raids, and deportations.

"It looks to me like its racism," said Emma Lozano, Pueblo Sin Fronteras.

The National Alliance for Immigration Rights wants an immediate moratorium on all workplace raids and deportations. As does Elvira Arellano — who still seeks refuge at a West Side church after being slated for deportation because she's undocumented. Her seven-year-old son, a U.S. citizen, will go to the nation's capital to try to save his mother.

"I want President Bush to stop the raid and the deportation of my mom so she can stay with me," said Saul Arellano, Elvira's son.

Those for strict control over America's borders say there has been some progress in their fight, but more must be done.
"We are gaining ground and that Americans are waking up to the problems that illegal immigration causes in our country," said Robert Klein Engler, Illinois Minuteman Project.

Saul will be accompanied by several immigration activists as well as by Congressman Luis Guitterez to Washington DC. The group plans to address the president on Tuesday.

About Author

Author Pat Boardman has discovered in discussions and through research that the fairly recent phenomenon of collaborative law to settle cases of divorce has become popular as a means to sidestep lengthy court proceedings. Lawyers who are trained in the more amicable approach are by necessity more empathetic towards spouses who may be dealing with alimony or child support after an unsuccessful separation where mediation would not be an option.

• Previous Entry: Collaborative Law – a Better Alternative
• Next Entry: Divorce Law