A Decade of Smarter Divorce: Collaborative Practice Celebrates 10th Anniversary at Statewide Conference
A Decade of Smarter Divorce: Collaborative Practice Celebrates 10th Anniversary at Statewide Conference
by Lisa R. Zonder, Esq., CFL-S
Zonder Family Law
Lisa R. Zonder
Twenty years ago, a better way of resolving civil disputes was developed in the United States. In the Collaborative Practice method, participants are self-empowered to work with input from an integrated team of professionals to brainstorm and craft their own settlement agreements. Clients work together in a respectful way, keeping in mind the importance of protecting their children from conflict. Decisions are made by the participants without the involvement of a judge or other decision maker.
For roughly two decades now, the Collaborative process has been applied to divorce and family law, domestic partnerships, same sex marriages, employment law, probate law, construction and real property law, malpractice, and other civil law areas.
Ten years ago, Collaborative Practice professionals in California established a statewide organization of Collaborative Practice groups, called “Collaborative Practice California.” (CP Cal). CP Cal celebrates its 10th anniversary at its annual statewide conference April 24-26 in Los Angeles.
Family Divorce Solutions of San Fernando Valley is an active member of the statewide group. Family Divorce Solutions includes Collaborative lawyers, mental health professionals who serve as divorce coaches, financial professionals and child specialists. Members of Family Divorce Solutions look forward to actively participating in the conference, called “Celebration 10: A Decade of Change: Creating a Legacy.”
It is my privilege to serve as Chair and organizer of “CP Cal Celebration 10.” My Family Divorce Solutions colleagues will contribute their expertise to the program:
- “Medicollab” cases, presented by Beverly Hills attorney Fred Glassman with attorney Forest (Woody) Moster.
- Warren Sacks, CPA, presents a workshop helping Collaborative professionals better understand the role of the financial neutral in the collaborative process.
- James Walton, Ph.D. leads his workshop “Understanding Gay Relationships and Working Efficiently with Them” for the second time. Dr. Walton’s workshop helps professionals gain a greater awareness of and appreciation for the challenges facing divorcing same-gender couples.
- Prominent Los Angeles divorce lawyer Laura Wasser, author of the new book “It Doesn’t Have to Be That Way: How to Divorce Without Destroying Your Family or Bankrupting Yourself,” speaks on “How to Divorce Amicably and Cost Effectively in the 21st Century.” Ms. Wasser is a high profile attorney who specializes in celebrity divorce cases.
We have so much local professional talent working together to collaborate on peaceful divorces in the Southern California region. These professionals are hidden gems. Divorcing spouses who are tired of aggressive attorney rhetoric should give Family Divorce Solutions or other local practice groups in your area a serious look.
Through CP Cal’s website, you can find Collaborative practice professionals in your local area, learn more about using an integrated team of professionals to help resolve your divorce questions, and find resources to learn more about dispute resolution alternatives that will keep you out of court.
About the Author: Lisa Zonder is a family lawyer and mediator. Her office is located on Townsgate Road in Westlake Village, California. She devotes her practice exclusively to family law matters and is a dedicated peacemaker and collaborator. Visit her website at Zonder Family Law.