[b]MIAMI –[/b] As research continues to report the damage caused to families in the wake of divorce, one organization is taking aggressive steps to educate professionals and the public that there is a better way, one that can minimize emotional and financial damage to children, moms and dads.

The collaborative divorce process is the focus of the Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals ([color=#339FFF]www.collaborativepracticeflorida.com[/color]) whose 6th Annual educational conference was recently held at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Over a hundred lawyers, financial professionals, and Collaborative Divorce facilitators attended 15 workshops over three days and heard addresses from five expert keynote speakers.

“As professionals, we are concerned about the collateral damage associated with divorce and separation,” said Harriett Fox, CPA and collaboratively trained member of the Miami-based Collaborative Family Law Institute ([color=#339FFF]www.collaborativefamlaw.com[/color]) . “The Collaborative Process is being used in many countries around the world, and it’s changing the outcomes for families. By keeping the process out of the court system, the families’ resources are better utilized. Time, money and energy support their divorce, not the court system.”

“As knowledge and acceptance of the collaborative process grow, we’re seeing that the emotional interests of children are at center stage. The parents, with the help of their professional team, can take steps that result in healthier families, post-divorce,” added Linda Fieldstone, Conflict Resolution Specialist, Collaborative Divorce facilitator, and a member of the Collaborative Family Law Institute.

“This conference gave all of the participating professionals a forum to share experiences, exchange ideas, and improve the services we provide to couples seeking a better, more compassionate way to divorce or separate.”

Based in Miami, the Collaborative Family Law Institute offers a voluntary process in which couples, with the assistance of a team of collaboratively-trained lawyers, financial consultants, and mental health professionals, work toward reaching a settlement on fair and equitable terms without the financial and emotional costs that often accompany litigation. Through the Collaborative Process, the parties choose to resolve the issues in their dissolution in a mutually beneficial way, outside of the court system. In a Collaborative divorce, the parties are empowered to make their own decisions and customize the terms of an agreement based upon their particular needs and interests.

The FACP annual conference featured a wide range of programs addressing issues related to the Collaborative Process. Several included:

[b] • Is the Client Ready for the Process? –[/b] Assuring that both parties understand the process, have an idea of what to expect during the process, and are prepared to negotiate.

[b] • The Collaborative Law Process Act –[/b] Explanation of the Florida Collaborative Law Process Act that went into effect on July 1, 2017; what it means for the process, and what it means for the professionals.

[b] • Tools for Integrating Successfully as a Team – [/b] An important element of the professionals’ continuing education is to share experiences and learn from the successes of other teams.

“It is so satisfying to be a part of this important initiative that combines the expertise of leaders in this field who are committed to preserving families while protecting children through the divorce process,” said Regina F. Zelonker, a collaboratively trained Family Law Attorney, and a member of the Collaborative Family Law Institute. “The educational programs and the ability to network with like-minded individuals is critical as we bring a new way to help clients work through their divorces.”

At the core of this unique strategy is the development of a post-divorce parenting plan that acknowledges the importance of family and builds ways to approach holidays, visitations, and vacations through effective communications and flexibility, all in the best interests of the children.

The Collaborative Process offers a distinct departure from the more traditional approaches to divorce and has the advantages of:

[b] • Privacy[/b]

[b] • Transparency[/b]

[b] • Control of outcomes, and [/b]

[b] • Better use of resources (money, time, energy)[/b]

The Collaborative Process helps reset the dialogue, focuses on protecting children from the effects of divorce and results in parents being better able to co-parent in the future. It allows them to discuss potential conflicts and agree to ways to resolve them that are included in the parenting plan.

[b] COLLABORATIVE FAMILY LAW INSTITUTE, INC.[/b]

[b] Website:[/b] [color=#339FFF]https://collaborativefamlaw.com/[/color]
[b] Address:[/b] 3211 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Suite 200 Coral Gables FL 33134
[b] Phone No:[/b] [color=#339FFF]305-446-7800[/color]