What is the difference between mediation and Collaborative Practice?
A mediator is a neutral third party. Clients work with their lawyers in between mediation sessions if they wish to receive legal advice on a particular issue. The lawyers are usually not present during mediation. Once the mediation is completed, the lawyers finalize the wording of the agreement, and advise their clients whether they should sign it. Mediation is often appropriate for couples who are relatively low conflict and can negotiate without their lawyers present. Collaborative Practice can work for clients experiencing low, medium or high conflict or trust issues, who want the support of their lawyers and other professionals during the negotiation sessions. Collaborative professionals provide advice and information to their clients every step of the way.
