Ground Rules

GROUND RULES FOR THE COLLABORATIVE FAMILY LAW PROCESS

1. Attack the problem at hand, do not attack each other.

Avoid positions. Instead, express yourself in terms of needs or interests and the outcomes you would like to realize.
Work for what you believe is the most constructive and acceptable agreement for both you and your family.
During 4-way meetings (both lawyers and both clients will be present) remember the following:

Be respectful of others.
Use each other’s first name and avoid "he" or "she".
Do not interrupt when the other client or his or her lawyer is speaking. You, also, will have a full and equal opportunity to speak on every issue presented for discussion.
Do not use language that blames or finds fault with the other client. Use non-inflammatory or neutral words.
Avoid using the terms "fair" and "unfair." Words like "acceptable," "workable," "agreeable," and their converses, "unacceptable, unworkable, not agreeable" are preferable in that they allow room for reasonable people to differ.
Speak for yourself. Make "I" statements, not "you" statements.

	State what you observe. (For example, "I noticed that twice this month times that were scheduled for the children to be with you simply did not happen.")
	State how you feel about what you observe. (For example, "I feel worried and unhappy about this.")
	State what you think about what you observe. (For example, "I think it is bad for the children to have scheduled time with you that does not happen.")
	State what you would like to do about what you observe. (For example, "I want you to propose a schedule that could be put into place for visits that would not result in the children being disappointed in that way.")

Practice active listening.

	Listen fully while the other person speaks; avoid planning your reply until the speaker has finished.
	Try to understand what the other is saying without being judgmental about the person or the message.
	Ask for more information on any points that aren’t completely clear to you.
	Check out how accurately you understand what the speaker said by restating your understanding in different words.
	Keep doing these steps until the speaker agrees that you have fully understood what was said.
	Remember, you can say "I understand" without meaning "I agree."

If you have a complaint, raise it as your concern and follow it up with a constructive suggestion as to how it might be resolved.
If something is not working for you, tell your lawyer so it can be addressed.
Talk with your lawyer about anything you do not understand. Your lawyer can clarify issues for you.

5. Be willing to commit the time required to meet regularly. Be prepared for each meeting.

6. Be patient - delays in the process can happen notwithstanding that everyone is acting in good faith.

Adapted from Collaborative law, A Training for Family Law Attorneys, Stuart G. Webb, and from Collaborative Law, Achieving Effective Resolution in Divorce without Litigation, Pauline H. Tesler.