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What Happens at a Collaborative Meeting?

In a Collaborative Divorce case, there are meetings instead of court hearings. There are meetings between the Collaborative professionals to discuss the clients and the matters before a Participation Agreement is signed. During that meeting, the professionals discuss how the TEAM should communicate with each other, what the key issues likely will be, and whether there are any special concerns the TEAM should be aware of. Also, there is usually a notetaker during the meetings. The notetaker is a Collaborative Professional who is learning the process and wants to obtain Collaborative experience. That person should also sign the Collaborative Participation Agreement and Collaborative Confidentiality Agreement. 

Each Collaborative meeting has an agenda. This agenda is created by professionals with the client’s input. Each attorney meets with his or her client to prepare for the meeting. The attorney and client discuss reasonable expectations for the process. Collaborative TEAM meetings usually last two hours. The professionals meet a half hour before each TEAM Meeting and a half hour after each TEAM meeting. 

Usually at the first Collaborative TEAM meeting, the mental health neutral asks each client what their goals and concerns are. Minutes are taken of each Joint Meeting. The minutes are privileged. That is pursuant to Florida Statute 61.58. If the clients reach an agreement on an issue, a written Partial Agreement is prepared for only the clients to sign. If the Collaborative Process is terminated, only the Partial Agreements can be admitted into evidence. When all the relevant issues are resolved by the clients, a comprehensive Collaborative Marital Settlement Agreement is prepared that is signed by the parties and the Collaborative Professionals. 

If you have more questions regarding a Marital and Family Law matter, a Collaborative Divorce, or a Dissolution of Marriage, you may call Ann Marie Giordano Gilden at Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at 407-732-7620 and set an initial consultation. You may also visit my website at: https://www.annmariegildenlaw.com 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not form an attorney client privilege.