Maryland Collaborative Law Association, Inc.

Who We AreWhat We Do

How We Work Together

MCLA, Inc.

Models of Conflict Resolution

Adversarial/Litigation Mediation/Arbitration Cooperative Combination of Models Collaborative Law

MCLA, Inc.

Resolution Through Collaboration

Standards of Integrity and Ethics The Collaborative Law Model

The Participation Agreement The Four-Way Meeting Open Exchange of Information and

Ideas The Final Agreement

MCLA, Inc.

Applying these Principals To Family Law

Collaborative Family Law encourages: Openness Transparency Communication Cooperative behaviors

MCLA, Inc.

Applying these Principals To Family Law

In the traditional divorcing model, husband and wife wage war and their attorneys become their warriors.

MCLA, Inc.

Applying these Principals To Family Law

In the Collaborative model, all the family and their attorneys work together to find the best resolution for the particular family.

MCLA, Inc.

Who are we? A non-profit organization of

unaffiliated attorneys and other professionals

Committed to the collaborative resolution of family conflicts

MCLA, Inc.

What is MCLA? MCLA provides

Public Education and resources for the public and members

Training Continuing education for members Social functions

MCLA, Inc.

What is MCLA? We work closely with other

professionals to achieve the goals of our clients.

MCLA, Inc.

What is MCLA? Lawyer Members

Admitted to practice in the State of Maryland, for at least five (5) years

Substantial experience in family law Received specialized training in

collaborative law

MCLA, Inc.

IACP

Membership (8 countries and forty states)

• 75 in 2000• 565 in 2003• 1053 in 2004• Approximately 2,000 at 12/31/2005• California – 460, NY – 166 www.collaborativepractice.com

MCLA, Inc.

Collaborative Divorce FAQ

If I offer Collaborative Divorce services, can I litigate or mediate cases?Yes, a Collaborative Attorney is free to offer a “menu” of services, including litigation and mediation. They cannot represent their collaborative Divorce Client in court.

MCLA, Inc.

Collaborative Divorce FAQ

How are my fees affected by the Collaborative Divorce Process?

Each attorney sets his/her fee with their respective client just as they do in regular divorce cases.

MCLA, Inc.

Collaborative Divorce FAQ

Is a judge needed to finalize the settlement document?

The final document is prepared by either attorney and submitted to the court for approval, just like an uncontested settlement.

MCLA, Inc.

Collaborative Divorce FAQ

What training is necessary to become a Collaborative Divorce Attorney?

The IACP and the various Collaborative Divorce Groups offer the initial two-day training that is necessary to become a Collaborative Professional.

MCLA, Inc.

How can we work together?

Provide an innovative alternative to litigation for your clients and patients

MCLA, Inc.

How can we work together?

Work as a team to assist divorcing parties learn about communication, parenting and dispute resolution

MCLA, Inc.

Collaborative Divorce FAQ Special thanks to John Faggio, CPA,

CFP, Financial Divorce Specialist, for permission to use his Collaborative Divorce FAQs.

MCLA, Inc.

How can we work together?

Let’s Collaborate!

MCLA: Passion for Truth, Justice and Families