{"id":505,"date":"2009-12-28T20:22:12","date_gmt":"2009-12-29T03:22:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/journals.law.harvard.edu\/hnlr\/?p=505"},"modified":"2013-11-23T18:29:22","modified_gmt":"2013-11-24T01:29:22","slug":"collaborative-divorce-a-model-for-effective-problem-solving-and-prevention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/journals.law.harvard.edu\/hnlr\/2009\/12\/collaborative-divorce-a-model-for-effective-problem-solving-and-prevention\/","title":{"rendered":"Collaborative Divorce: A Model for Effective Problem-Solving and Prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"divorce\"<\/a><\/span><\/em>A Review of Forrest S. Mosten, Collaborative Divorce Handbook<\/em>*<\/em>
\nBy<\/span><\/em> Thomas D. Barton**<\/span><\/h4>\n
\n
\n

Introductio<\/span><\/em>n<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Collaborate Divorce Handbook, by Forrest S. Mosten, delivers what its title suggests\u2013a complete, point-by-point practical guide for lawyers wishing to learn about collaborative divorce techniques.\u00a0 But this book also offers much more, and to a far broader readership.\u00a0 It can inspire all lawyers to adopt a stronger, more effective, and more personal approach to clients.\u00a0 It can inform related professionals\u2013mental health specialists, coaches, and financial advisors\u2013about the process of collaborative divorce and how they may best join in it.\u00a0 Finally, the warmth and depth of human understanding in this book can prompt reflection on personal values, professional satisfaction, and the possibility of peacemaking.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Handbook is the latest chapter in Mosten<\/span>\u2019s life-long quest to make legal services and counseling more accessible and helpful to the average person.\u00a0 He pioneered the establishment of legal clinics and unbundling of legal services and has been a leading proponent of Preventive Law, problem solving, and mediation.\u00a0 He has encountered a broad range of human disagreements and observed their attempted resolution using a variety of alternative techniques. \u00a0His reflections on the values and principles underpinning Collaborative Law are thereby uniquely mature, and can be applied throughout legal practice. His eloquent and comprehensive approach offers significant benefits for clients and lawyers alike.\u00a0 Quoting Pauline Tesler, Mosten speaks of changing the understanding of a lawyer\u2019s role, the relationship with one\u2019s client, the ways of approaching other lawyers and parties, and the structure and commitment to the negotiation process.<\/span>3<\/span><\/sup><\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Mosten organizes the Handbook as one would approach the counseling of a client: with respect for the reader\u2019s needs, choices, and intelligence.\u00a0 Mosten certainly instructs, but he also wants us to succeed. Always open-minded and objective, he compares and contrasts a variety of alternative models to collaborative divorce.\u00a0 He realistically offers vital advice for how to talk with one\u2019s client as well as one\u2019s counterpart attorney about the collaborative approach when one or both may be resistant to its structure or underlying assumptions.\u00a0 The book supplies dozens of checklists and tips, together with a supplemental website of testimonials, suggestions, and ways to continue in an organized dialogue with other experienced collaborative practitioners.<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding Collaborative Law and Building a Collaborative Practice<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In exploring Collaborative Law,<\/span>4<\/span><\/sup> Mosten addresses three basic questions: (1) what is collaborative law; (2) how is it done; and (3) how can the reader get s<\/span>tarted in a collaborative practice? <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The \u201cwhat\u201d is a philosophy and basic method that unite varying models of Collaborative Divorce.\u00a0 The philosophy is that collaboration and settlement should be the \u201clast step along the dispute resolution highway,\u201d<\/span>5<\/span><\/sup> not a mere way-station before the expected destination in court.\u00a0 If the divorcing parties feel they must resort to court, the collaborative lawyers have essentially failed.\u00a0 Although subject to variation, the basic method of Collaborative Divorce is a bre<\/span>ath-taking innovation. \u00a0Attorneys representing both of the divorcing parties agree that they will withdraw from further representation if a settlement is not reached.<\/span>6<\/span><\/sup> In other words, the attorneys may not represent a collaborative client in court.\u00a0 Their work is basically at an end.\u00a0 Mosten quotes Ousky and Webb: \u201cCollaborative attorneys actually sign a contract that commits them\u2013along with you and your spouse\u2013to reaching a settlement.\u00a0 The contract, called a Participation Agreement, requires the attorneys to withdraw from your case if they can\u2019t resolve all of your issues out of court.\u201d<\/span>7<\/span><\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n

The \u201chow\u201d is equal in importance to the \u201cwhat,\u201d says Mosten.\u00a0 This is part of the collaborative attitude.<\/span>8<\/span><\/sup> The what and how begin to merge in this book, a refreshing approach that values the <\/span>means<\/span><\/em> for achieving ends, as well as the ends themselves.\u00a0 Concern for the method by which a settlement is obtained pays rich dividends in the future relationships of the parties and their children.\u00a0 Mosten writes:<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The how is the way the parties speak with each other when discussing concerns that each has with the other.\u00a0 Traditional lawyers often focus on the terms of parenting and financial agreements and try to avoid discussing the how or assume that such toxic and damaging spousal interaction will never change.\u00a0 Collaborative lawyers believe that by helping parties with the process, lasting settlements occur more frequently and with much reduced transaction costs.<\/span>9<\/span><\/sup> <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The collaborative lawyer uses transparency and candor<\/span>10<\/span><\/sup> to expand both the framing of the problem and the cooperative spirit by which it can be addressed:<\/span><\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The way a problem is defined often dictates its outcome.\u00a0 Adversarial lawyers . . . may limit the problem and its solution to mirror how a judge would decide the matter if litigated . . . . Collaborative lawyers believe that the legal outcome is just one of the many ways to define the problem.\u00a0 By opening up new creative perspectives of how a solution may be addressed, settlements can be reached by widening the sco<\/span><\/strong><\/strong>pe of the problem to include the relationships of all members of the family, how the parties will emotionally handle any solution, and how the result will affect finances now and in the future.<\/span>11<\/span><\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Once the aims of successful divorce representation are opened up, so also is the method that can and should be used.\u00a0 This is introduced under the topic of \u201cValues and Principles of Collaborative Law.\u201d\u00a0 Mosten introduces, and later elaborates, on each of these tenets:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Respect and dignity for the other party and other professionals<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Direct and open communication with the other party and professionals;<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Voluntary and full disclosure of relevant information and documents necessary to make agreements;<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Commitment to the healing of the family; [and]<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Use of interest-based <\/span>negotiation to try to meet the needs of both parties.<\/span>12<\/span><\/sup><\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Lawyers should not take for granted that these attitudes generally prevail in divorce representation or in other areas of practice.\u00a0 The adversarial system is primarily designed for achieving truth, not for facilitating strong future relationships.\u00a0 But the adversarial system is the foundation of Anglo-American court procedures, as well as of traditional thinking about lawyers\u2019 professional responsibility.\u00a0 Indeed, one key element in Collaborative Law practice has raised some legal ethical concerns.\u00a0 It is the commitment made by collaborative lawyers to refrain from representing clients in court, should settlement negotiations stall or fail.\u00a0 As Mosten explains , the participation agreement can be a private agreement among parties and professionals or a court order.\u00a0 This agreement is signed in addition to separate engagement agreements between each client and each professional.\u00a0 It is important for all parties to understand the agreement terms.\u00a0 If either party terminates the collaborative process or participates in adversary proceedings in violation of this agreement, the attorneys and all other collaborative professionals should not continue representing the parties, and new attorneys and professionals should be hired.<\/span><\/strong>13<\/span><\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n

    In requiring the lawyers to withdraw from further representation in the event that the issues cannot be resolved out of court, some feel that the pressure on collaborative lawyers to settle is simply too strong.\u00a0 They feel the client\u2019s interest could be compromised by the lawyer\u2019s felt need to continue the representation.\u00a0 Some others are uncomfortable with the possibility of one lawyer forcing a withdrawal of another attorney\u2019s representation.<\/span><\/strong>14<\/span><\/sup> Mosten is straight-forward in his defense that lawyers using this \u201cdisqualification\u201d clause remain within the traditional responsibilities to the client:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n

    If you serve as a lawyer for a client who decides to use collaborative divorce, your client is entitled to the same professional obligations of competence and loyalty to which you would [be] obligated in any other lawyer arrangement.\u00a0 In concrete terms, this means that you have a duty to pursue the client\u2019s objectives, protect your client from financial harm and legal exposure, inform your client of legal rights, produce competent work, keep all attorney-client communications confidential, avoid conflicts of interest, and ensure that your fees are fair and that clients understand them.\u00a0 Although your approach may differ from the traditional model, you are still a lawyer.<\/span><\/strong>15<\/span><\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    For additional help, Mosten also supplies a section entitled \u201cQuestions and Answers About Ethical and Competent Service,\u201d which addresses issues arising for lawyers living in states both with and without specific collaborative enabling statutes.<\/span><\/strong>16<\/span><\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n

    Furthermore, says Mosten, responsible practice requires that an attorney walk a new client step-by-step through the process of obtaining an informed consent of a client, explaining each of the alternative models of representation that are available.\u00a0 This should be done even if the lawyer is not willing to represent the client under one or more of those alternatives.<\/span><\/strong>17<\/span><\/sup> Mosten supplies a well-organized template to direct this discussion, entitled \u201cA Guide for Discussion with Clients on Collaborative Practice.\u201d<\/span>18<\/span><\/sup> Each of the various aspects of alternatives of collaborative representation is shown in a column, parallel to which are additional columns describing first the benefits, and then the risks, of those choices.<\/span>19<\/span><\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n

    Included in one row of the template, for example, is an entry marked \u201cTrained Collaborative Professionals.\u201d\u00a0 That appears because the collaborative model does not assume mere collaboration among lawyers and clients.\u00a0 Included also in the idea of Collaborative Divorce is participation by one or more other professionals: psychologists, child specialists, divorce coaches, mediators, and financial planners.\u00a0 The family is seen as a system comprised of a variety of people and needs, present and future, not all of which are necessarily best addressed by lawyers.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

    The particular roles and responsibilities of each of these specialists are valuably analyzed.<\/span><\/strong>20 <\/span><\/sup> In considering how those other professionals may be used, however, Mosten again does not urge one particular model.\u00a0 Instead, he describes alternative structures, compares their advantages and shortcomings, and stresses choice, practicality, and flexibility.\u00a0 This part of the Handbook is especially useful for lawyers who may be inexperienced in how to work with other professionals.\u00a0 Mediators, coaches, psychologists and financial analysts involved in divorce work would also benefit greatly from the dozens of practical tips as well as broad understanding of collaborative structure that Mosten provides.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

    Obviously, adding these other professionals increases the cost of forging a divorce settlement, a concern for both the lawyers and the parties who must ultimately bear those costs.\u00a0 On the positive side, this team approach still is likely to be less expensive than resort to litigation.<\/span>21<\/span><\/sup> Furthermore, the resulting agreement and more positive relationships may prevent many future problems with unknown but potentially substantial costs.\u00a0 On the other hand, \u201cthere appears to be no data showing [Collaborative Divorce] is less expensive than traditional lawyer-negotiated settlements . . . and no data comparing the cost of collaborative divorce to mediation, even with consulting attorneys.\u201d<\/span>22<\/span><\/sup> That raises at least two issues.\u00a0 First, how should one discuss these costs with a client so that informed consent is rea<\/span><\/strong><\/strong>ched?\u00a0 And second, what steps may be taken to reduce the costs of using collaboration, especially with a full interdisciplinary team?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    On the first issue, Mosten\u2019s informed consent template sets out the benefits and risks to the client.\u00a0 On the benefits side,<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n

    You and your spouse may benefit from using a team of collaborative professionals with different skills.\u00a0 Collaborative professionals usually have had special training to help promote constructive settlements.\u00a0 By investing the time and money for professional training, collaborative professionals demonstrate a commitment to constructive negotiation.<\/span>23<\/span><\/sup> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    The risk, however, is that \u201c[y]ou or your spouse may feel some pressure to use more professionals than you want or feel that you can afford.\u201d<\/span>24<\/span><\/sup><\/p>\n

    As possible mitigation of some of those costs as well as to broaden the choice and effectiveness of the collaborative process, Mosten includes analysis for which he is perhaps uniquely qualified.\u00a0 He draws upon his years of varied experience in the chapter entitled \u201cHow Collaborative Divorce Works with Mediation and Unbundled Legal Services.\u201d<\/span>25<\/span><\/sup> Here, Mosten describes how \u201cmediation can be a partner with collaborative divorce\u201d<\/span>26<\/span><\/sup> and how unbundling is an inherent, but flexible part of collaborative lawyering. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Mediation, of course, is a well-known process in which lawyers may act in the role of either the neutral mediator or as the representative of a party engaged in mediation.\u00a0 Mosten systematically sets out a broad variety of ways in which mediation could be used to augment the collaborative approach, or as an alterna<\/span>tive to it.\u00a0 In each variation, Mosten describes the differing roles that could usefully be played by the lawyer. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

    Although expensive, \u201chaving collaborative representatives plus a mediator may be the best of all worlds . . . . \u201d<\/span><\/strong>27<\/span><\/sup> \u201cMany clients want to use the neutrality of mediation but also want the advice and protection of an attorney who would both be mediation friendly and supportive of it and affordable.\u201d<\/span>28<\/span><\/sup> Mediation could, for example, be a useful adjunct to collaborative divorce at the beginning of the process.\u00a0 Mosten describes this possibility from the client\u2019s perspective:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n

    If you arrange for a mediator to join the collaborative process from (or near) the beginning, you may design a process that helps your clients have it all ways.\u00a0 Your client gets your support, advice, and feeling of your protection, and the other party gets similarly taken care of by the other collaborative lawyer or team.\u00a0 At the same time, the mediator can set a neutral and safe atmosphere while playing a more jarring role as agent of reality, testing the parties\u2019 positions and trying to gain movement toward consensus and a result that both parties can live with.<\/span><\/strong>29<\/span><\/sup> <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Alternatively, mediation can be useful if problems develop, or to resolve conflicts among the various professionals.<\/span><\/strong>30<\/span><\/sup> Mosten explains the common-sense nature of this:\u00a0 Often you and your collaborative partner can reach agreement without a mediator.\u00a0 However, if trouble develops, you need to stress the mind-set: \u201cIt is not a choice between the collaborative process and litigation.\u00a0 It is a choice between the current structure of the collaborative process that is not resulting in an agreement and the challenge of finding a workable new structure that will get the job done<\/span> <\/span><\/span>.\u201d<\/span>31 <\/span><\/sup> Therefore, rather than terminate the collaborative process, disband the collaborative professional team, and require the parties to obtain litigation counsel to ready themselves for a courthouse battle, you can build in mediation as the fail-safe logical next step if either or both parties are ready to terminate the collaborative process.<\/span>32<\/span><\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n

    Unbundling is a less familiar technique, but it can help trim the costs for a client who wants a collaborative divorce process: <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    In unbundling . . . the client is in charge of selecting one or several discrete lawyering tasks contained with the full-service package.\u00a0 The client specifically provides for which services the attorney will provide, how extensive the services will be, and how to determine the communication and decision-making control between the client and the attorney.<\/span><\/strong>33<\/span><\/sup> <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    As Mosten describes it, attorneys outside of the collaborative context can separate out various services like advice, research, factual collection and investigation, drafting, negotiation, and court appearances.<\/span><\/strong>34<\/span><\/sup> Those aspects that a client feels capable of undertaking alone, or with the lawyer as a background coach, can be removed from the formal scope of representation (and billing). <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

    Interestingly, relatively little experimentation with unbundling has occurred as of yet within the collaborative divorce process.<\/span><\/strong>35<\/span><\/sup> As Mosten puts it, to date \u201cthe growth of collaborative divorce has been among clients who otherwise can afford lawyers, and very few collaborative divorce professionals have focused on ways to penetrate the underserved and otherwise unrepresented market.\u201d<\/span>36<\/span><\/sup> <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

    Conclusion<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

    Mosten delivers a wealth of information and advice, most of which cannot be discussed in this short review.\u00a0 Certainly Collaborative Divorce is growing quickly, and Mosten\u2019s Handbook is essential reading for any family specialist, regardless of legal training.\u00a0 Beyond that, any lawyer interested in the emerging paradigm shift in legal thinking and method that several writers have identified can get a rich sense of its attributes through Mosten\u2019s work.\u00a0 Finally, those who believe in the power of empathy, reason, and respectful communication\u2013values that historically gave rise to the Rule of Law\u2013can be encouraged from this book.\u00a0 Even in one of life\u2019s most difficult, intimate, and emotional settings\u2013the dissolution of a family\u2013Mosten shows that lawyers can play an important role in promoting peaceful and productive transitions.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    \n

    * Forrest S. Mosten, Collaborative Divorce Handbook: Helping Families Without Going to Court (Jossey-Bass, 2009) [hereinafter Handbook]. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    ** Louis and Herminone Brown Professor of Law, California Western School of Law.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    3<\/span><\/sup> Handbook, <\/span>supra<\/span><\/em> note 1, at 6, 7.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    4<\/span><\/sup> \u201cCollaborative Law\u201d is typically used as a synonym phrase for \u201cCollaborative Divorce\u201d because to date the model of collaborating lawyers representing diffe<\/span>rent parties has been employed almost exclusively in divorce settings.\u00a0 Theoretically, however, the attitudes and skills underpinning collaborative divorce could begin to be employed toward resolving legal issues beyond divorce or family law.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    5<\/span><\/sup> Handbook, <\/span>supra<\/span><\/em> note 1, at 8.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    6<\/span><\/sup><\/em> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em> at 22, 29.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    7<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em> at 29, <\/span>quoting<\/span><\/em> Ronald D. Ousky & Stuart Webb, The Collaborative way to Divorce 6 (2006).<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    8<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em> at 14.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    9<\/span><\/sup><\/em> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em> <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    10<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em> at 15.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    11<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em> at 14.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    12<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em> at 21.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    13<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em> at 29.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    14<\/span><\/sup> For a thorough and insightful analysis of the ethical implications of various permutations of disqualification clauses in Collaborative Agreements, <\/span>see<\/span><\/em> Scott R. Peppet, <\/span>The Ethics of Collaborative Law<\/span><\/em>, 2008 J. Disp. Resol. 131 (2008).<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    15<\/span><\/sup> Handbook., <\/span>supra<\/span><\/em> note 1, at 45, 46.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    16<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em> at 140-145.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    17<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em> at 129, 130.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    18<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em> at 146-150.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    19<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    20<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em> at 52-58.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    21<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em> at 64. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    22<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    23<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em> at 147.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    24<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    25<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em> at 59-77.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    26<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em> at 64.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    27<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em> at 68.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    28<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    29<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em> at 74.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    30<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em> at 75-76.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

    31<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em> at 75.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    3<\/span><\/sup>2<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    3<\/span><\/sup>3<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em> at 59-60.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    3<\/span><\/sup>4<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em> at 61-62.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    3<\/span><\/sup>5<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em> at 64.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    3<\/span><\/sup>6<\/span><\/sup> <\/span>Id.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

    Originally published to HNLR Online on Dec. 28, 2009.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    <\/strong><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    A Review of Forrest S. Mosten, Collaborative Divorce Handbook* By Thomas D. Barton** Introduction Collaborate Divorce Handbook, by Forrest S. Mosten, delivers what its title suggests\u2013a complete, point-by-point practical guide for lawyers wishing to learn about collaborative divorce techniques.\u00a0 But this book also offers much more, and to a far broader readership.\u00a0 It can inspire all lawyers to adopt a stronger, more effective, and more personal approach to clients.\u00a0 It can inform related professionals\u2013mental health […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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