What is the difference between Mediation and Collaborative Practice (CP)?
Mediation and Collaborative Practice are both voluntary, client-centered, private alternatives to resolving family law disputes without going to court. They both have the goal of identifying each partys goals and interest, facilitating communication, and working cooperatively towards a mutually satisfying resolution. The difference between mediation and CP is the process in reaching those goals. In mediation, the parties meet with a skilled professional whose role is to assist them in negotiating a legal settlement while remaining neutral to each partys goals. This means the mediator does not advocate for or give legal advice to either party. Each party is encouraged to consult with an independent attorney to get legal advice and to review the final settlement agreement. In a collaborative case, each party has an attorney and a coach. The attorneys role is to advise and guide the client through the legal process, while the coach helps the client identify his or her goals and interests
Mediation and collaborative practice are both voluntary, client-centered, private alternatives to resolving family law disputes without going to court. They both have the goal of identifying each party’s goals and interest, facilitating communication, and working cooperatively towards a mutually satisfying resolution. The difference between mediation and CP is the process in reaching those goals. In mediation, the parties meet with a skilled professional whose role is to assist them in negotiating a legal settlement while remaining “neutral” to each party’s goals. This means the mediator does not advocate for or give legal advice to either party. Each party is encouraged to consult with an independent attorney to get legal advice and to review the final settlement agreement. In a collaborative case, each party has an attorney and a coach. The attorney’s role is to advise and guide the client through the legal process, while the coach helps the client identify his or her goals and inter
