March 2023 17th, 24th and 31st 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM CDT IACP Strategies When Working With A "Wolf In Sheep's Clothing", presented by Lana M. Stern, Ph.D., Marta Alfonso, CPA, JD and Robert J. Merlin, Attorney 30th-31st CDT Spring Conference The 16th Annual Collaborative Law Course, Sonesta Bee Cave Hotel, Austin Texas 31st 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. CDT Annual Membership Meeting, Sonesta Bee Cave Austin Hotel, 12525 Bee Cave Pkwy, Bee Cave, TX 78738 April 2023 4th Noon -1:00 … [Read more...]
See You At The Camp Out
It is not too late to register to attend the March 30 and 31, 2023 Collaborative Law Course (b/k/a “Spring Conference”) at the Sonesta Bee Cave Hotel in Austin. This years theme is “Collaborative Camp Out”, and the “out of the city” locale should allow for an even greater opportunity ability to network and exchange ideas with other collaborative-minded professionals. The Course Directors and Planning Committee have created a lineup of experienced presenters addressing timely collaborative topics … [Read more...]
What’s Going On In the Collaborative Community
March 2023 17th, 24th and 31st 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM CDT IACP Strategies When Working With A "Wolf In Sheep's Clothing", presented by Lana M. Stern, Ph.D., Marta Alfonso, CPA, JD and Robert J. Merlin, Attorney 30th-31st CDT Spring Conference The 16th Annual Collaborative Law Course, Sonesta Bee Cave Hotel, Austin Texas 31st 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. CDT Annual Membership Meeting, Sonesta Bee Cave Austin Hotel, 12525 Bee Cave Pkwy, Bee Cave, TX 78738 April 2023 4th Noon -1:00 P.M. CDT … [Read more...]
IACP Forum Requests for Proposals
In anticipation of an exceptional 2023 Forum in Toronto, the Forum Planning Committee of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals is accepting workshop and PFI (Pre-Forum Institute) proposals earlier than in years past. Do you have great ideas and cutting-edge information to share with the Collaborative community? If so, IACP wants to hear from you. Keep in mind that Forum attendees have varying degrees of Collaborative Practice experience, serve in communities from around the … [Read more...]
New Year’s (Collaborative) Resolutions
The New Year is upon us. Let’s make 2023 a momentous year for our Collaborative Community. CDT remains committed to growing awareness and use of Collaborative Divorce and to foster more opportunities for you to open collaborative cases and bring dignity and optimism for the future to families throughout Texas. To accomplish this, CDT needs its members to make and keep a few “Collaborative New Year’s Resolutions.” Resolve to encourage clients to use the Collaborative Process and educate … [Read more...]
What’s Going On In the Collaborative Community
January 2023 3rd Noon -1:00 P.M. CDT Lunch and Learn Speaker: Liza Greene, Topic: Bankruptcy for the Collaborative Divorce Practitioner (Zoom) 27th 10:15 A.M. Collaborative Law Institute of Minnesota Training: Home Will Never Be the Same Again: Help for Parents of Gray Divorce and their Adult Children, Who Are Stakeholders in their Parent's Divorce (ZOOM) February 2023 7th Noon -1:00 P.M. CDT Lunch and Learn Speaker: Jamie Patterson, Topic TBA … [Read more...]
What’s Going On In the Collaborative Community
November 2022 16th 11:00 A.M. (Texas Time) IACP Initial Client Contact: The Conversation is Everything Speakers: Louise Livesay-Al, Kendra Erkamaa, Brian Burns, and Kris Algert (Webinar) December 2022 6th Noon -1:00 P.M. December CDT Lunch and Learn Speaker: Robin Watts, Topic: Peacefakers, Peacebreakers, and Peacemakers: Managing Interpersonal Conflict Styles in the Collaborative Process (Zoom) January 2023 3rd Noon -1:00 P.M. CDT Lunch and … [Read more...]
What’s Going On In the Collaborative Community
October 2022 20th 6:00-7:30 P.M. Collaborative Divorce Collin County Team Thursday Speaker: Robin Watts, M.S., LPC-S, “Out of Balance? Turtling, Tornadoing, and the Importance of the Space Between.” Dinner will be catered by Babe’s. First Floor, 7160 N. Dallas Parkway, Plano, Texas 75024 If you wish to attend, send an email at camille@ccscrogginslaw.com no later than noon on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, with the names of all attendees for whom you are replying. The cost of the meal … [Read more...]
What’s Going On In the Collaborative Community
September 2022 14th, 15th and 16th CDT Basic Training San Antonio (In Person) - Register Here 30th Applications for Credentialing and Master Credentialing for the class of 2023 are due October 2022 4th CDT Lunch and Learn Speakers: Cindi Graham, JD & Christy Ford, LPC"The Grieving Process and its Effects on the Collaborative Process" (Zoom) 27- 30 IACP 23rd Annual Networking and Educational Forum -Share the Collaborative Magic(In Person) Gaylord … [Read more...]
Practice Makes(Collaborative) Perfect
Beginning this month, it is CDT’s plan to feature in this Newsletter a monthly practice or practical tip submitted by one of you, its members. Such may be advice on how a member, or a team, successfully dealt with a unique issue or a persistent problem in the handling of cases, about improving interaction with clients or fellow professionals, or things learned that will help us all become better collaborative practitioners. From Checklists to Chakras. Techniques on problem solving and problem … [Read more...]
Read A Good Book Lately?
If you have read a book, article or seen a media presentation about or relevant to Collaborative Divorce, please feel free to submit a review and/or recommendation to CDT and allow us to share with the Collaborative Community. Send submissions to cquaid@quaidfarish.com. … [Read more...]
Help Us Help You
Growing Collaborative Practice requires increasing awareness and connectivity. One avenue by which Collaborative Divorce Texas can assist in accomplishing such growth is to provide a vehicle to publicize upcoming presentations or events that may be of interest to CDT members. In this era of virtual presentation, greater audiences can be reached, and professional connections created or strengthened. Therefore, this Newsletter has a monthly feature “What’s Going on In the Collaborative Community” … [Read more...]
Publishing is Marketing/Write A Blog For CDT
Educating the public and our fellow professionals is critical to the success of our movement. CDT encourages all members to submit articles, practice tips or blogs for inclusion in our monthly Newsletter and/or publication on CDT’s website’s public page and members only page. Help the cause and your practice simultaneously. Blogs greatly enhance the performance of the CDT website in reaching its target audience with the Collaborative Divorce message. Your blog will also create an additional link … [Read more...]
What’s Going On In the Collaborative Community
September 2022 14th, 15th and 16th CDT Basic Training San Antonio (In Person) - Register Here 30th Applications for Credentialing and Master Credentialing for the class of 2023 are due October 2022 4th CDT Lunch and Learn Speakers: Cindi Graham, JD & Christy Ford, LPC"The Grieving Process and its Effects on the Collaborative Process" (Zoom) 27- 30 IACP 23rd Annual Networking and Educational Forum -Share the Collaborative Magic(In Person) Gaylord … [Read more...]
Greetings and Gratitude
In June, Collaborative Divorce Texas welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors, Liza Greene & Becky Davenport. Liza is an attorney with the Houston firm of Laura Dale & Associates, P.C. and is one of only a handful of Texas attorneys to have Board Certifications in both Family Law and Consumer Bankruptcy. She is affiliated with Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists, Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, Houston Association … [Read more...]
Be a Peacemaker
It remains critical to Collaborative Practice that our community continually “gets the word out” about the benefits of Collaborative Divorce. To educate and encourage others to join in CDT’s efforts to revolutionize the practice of Family Law. 2022 Gay G. Cox Award winner Julie Quaid took the opportunity at this month’s Advanced Family Law Seminar to do just that, using her acceptance speech before the Texas Family Law Bar to deliver the following message: “I am … [Read more...]
What’s Going On In the Collaborative Community
July 2022 21st 5:30 -7:00pm CT Collaborative Divorce Collin County presents Premarital and Post-marital Agreements in the Collaborative Process Speakers: Amy Lambert, JD (Austin), Lindley Bain, JD (Austin), David Brunson, CFA, CFP, CDFA (Plano) and Syd Sharples, LCSW (Austin). (ZOOM) Description: The panel will review the requirements of these agreements and compare handling them via the traditional method versus in the Collaborative … [Read more...]
What’s Going On In the Collaborative Community
June 2022 16th 10:00 am. CT IACP Presents: To Tell or Not to tell: Who needs to know? (Zoom) 22nd 1:00 p.m. CT Standards & Ethics Webinar: Your Playbook: IACP Ethical Standards. IACP’s Standards and Ethics committee present scenarios with challenging ethical issues found in Collaborative Practice Presenters: Stephanie L. Dobson, B.A., J.D., Bonnie M. Brown, & Edward Sachs CPA, ACP; Free to members, $50.00 USD for non-members 24 CDT Advanced … [Read more...]
Credentialing/Master Credentialing Applications
Applications to be Credentialed or Master Credentialed are due to the Credentialing Committee of CDT on or before September 30, 2022. Forms can be obtained by logging into the Member’s Section of the CDT Website and using the following link: https://members.collaborativedivorcetexas.com/member-services/collaborative-divorce-professional-credentialing/Please be sure to review the "Instructions for Filling Out Applications" before attempting to complete your application by logging into the … [Read more...]
Beware of the Shadows In the Room
We are all keenly aware of the harm that outside shadow advisors can do to the collaborative process. We vet our clients thoroughly and take cautious steps to minimize the influence these advisors may have over them. But there exists another type of shadow advisor: one in the room, but still covert, the “expert” client. This shadow advisor can be as damaging to collaborative resolution as any other one and we must all recognize and address them in a collaborative manner to limit harm to the … [Read more...]
What’s Going On In the Collaborative Community
May 2022 18th 1:00 P.M. CT IACP Presents: Utilizing your Clients' Experiences to Improve Your Practice (Zoom) IACP MEMBERS ONLY June 2022 3rd 8:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 2nd annual CollabFest Midwest sponsored by Iowa Collaborative Divorce! (Zoom) 16th 10:00 am. CT IACP Presents: To Tell or Not to tell: Who needs to know? (Zoom) 24 CDT Advanced Interdisciplinary Colaborative Training (in person Austin) September … [Read more...]
Be Present In The Moment
Collaborative Divorce is about helping our clients resolve their problems and about addressing issues in a way that will best equip them as they move forward into their futures. We invite them to practice mindfulness as they do this. We ask that they work through the stress and emotions of the moment by paying attention to their thoughts and feelings and expressing them in goals and interests instead of dwelling in the past. Amid these expectations we, as professionals, need to be mindful of … [Read more...]
What’s Going On In the Collaborative Community
April 2022 12 Power: Understanding or Coercion? (Virtual) Speaker Gary J. Friedman - 10:00am to 11:00am 26 Collaborative Divorce Collin County Team Thursday Legacy Hall - 5:30-7:00 p.m., 7800 Windrose Avenue, Plano Texas 75024. Just Socializing With the Collaborative Community (in Person) If you plan to attend, send an email to Camille Scroggins at camille@ccscrogginslaw.com no later than noon on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. Include the names and email addresses of the attendees for … [Read more...]
2022 Spring Conference Wrap Up
The last major professional gathering most of us attended was likely the 2020 Spring Conference. While that seems so long ago, the strong bond of the collaborative community once again was on display last month in Dallas. The collective spirit of all who gathered to learn, grow, and socialize created an incredible atmosphere and opportunity not just to reconnect but to rejuvenate. To appreciate the process and participants in what we are engaged. To what we are dedicated. From opening … [Read more...]
Thanks, You Made A Difference
Kris Algert Julia Bancroft Kyle Basinger Mike Benaglio Catherine Benouis Suzanne Blake David Bouschor Shannon Bradshaw Marie Briner Jennifer Broussard David Brunson Rhonda Cleaves Barbara Cole Dodee Crockett Tim (The Crouch Group) Crouch Becky Davenport Mary Beth Dennie Esther Donald Melinda Eitzen Jack Emmott Angela England-Pence Jennifer Failla Christopher Farish Jonathan Friday Mickey Gayler … [Read more...]
Why You Should Attend The Annual CDT Membership Luncheon
The 2022 Annual Meeting of the CDT Membership will be held during Spring Conference at the Westin Galleria on March 25 from Noon to 1:15 p.m.. There are many reasons you should attend: a State of the CDT Union will be presented by officers and Committee reports provided by committee chairs, new Board Members introduced, and the 2022 recipient of the Gay G. Cox Award will be revealed. BUT the primary reason to attend is that CDT is YOUR organization. An organization that is helping … [Read more...]
What’s Going On In the Collaborative Community
March 2022 24 and 25 “Spring Conference 2022” SBOT Collaborative Law Course to be held at the Westin Galleria Hotel – Dallas. (In Person) 25 CDT Annual Membership Meeting - Members Only 28-31 The 2022 IACP Global Virtual Institute (Virtual) The Institute will be held virtually on dates and times intended to accommodate as many of its international members as possible. The Institute offers five six-hour courses. Each course is broken into two days with three hours of instruction on each … [Read more...]
Are you interested in leading a workshop or PFI at IACP’s upcoming 23rd Annual Forum?
The International Academy of Collaborative Professionals is seeking speakers to present at its fully in-person 23rd Annual Networking & Educational Forum in Orlando, Florida on October 27-30, 2022. This year’s theme is Share the Collaborative Magic, and in the spirit thereof, IACP is soliciting its members to submit proposals for diverse, innovative, and in-demand topics of interest to the Collaborative World. The deadline for proposals is March 8, 2022, 5:00 pm … [Read more...]
What’s Going On In the Collaborative Community
January 2022 26-28 Building a Satisfying Collaborative Practice An Online Training Partnership of IACP and Mosten Guthrie Academy (Virtual) February 2022 1 First Lunch and Learn of 2022 at 12:00 - 1:00pm - Speakers: Rhonda Cleaves, JD & Honey Sheff, Ph.D., Topic: Effective Debrief 8 Civility Session with the Collaborative Professionals of Southeast Michigan Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84848112989 Contact email: … [Read more...]
Come One, Come All
While Covid did not slow the use of the collaborative process, and in fact, provided through its adaptability, one more reason why it is superior to litigation, it did impact the bond that collaborative professionals share. The experience of “up close and in person” collegiality with like-minded professionals has been negatively affected by Covid. I think you will be pleased to learn that with vaccines, boosters and/or appropriate Covid protocols, the band is getting back together (so to speak - … [Read more...]
What We Are Hoping to Find Under the CDT Christmas Tree This Year
This month marks the beginning of my second year as Editor of this Newsletter. We have strived to make it a little less formal, more informational than educational (except information about collaborative education opportunities), and more succinct. The Crouch Group team that does the yeoman's job getting this Newsletter out to you, took my desire to change its appearance and made it all shiny and bright. Ronda Robinson has been her normal incredible always-with-a-solution Executive Director, and … [Read more...]
What’s Going On In the Collaborative Community
December 2021 2 and 3 - CLI Minnesota Forum Non-Members Welcome Virtual and In Person https://www.collaborativepractice.com/event/cli-minnesota-annual-forum-2021 January 2022 12, 13, 14 and 20 - IACP Introductory Collaborative Practice Training. Non-Members Welcome Virtual https://www.collaborativepractice.com/event/1st-quarter-2022-online-introductory-interdisciplinary-collaborative-practice-training March 2022 3-5 Collaborative Professionals of Washington 15th Annual … [Read more...]
Their Process, Their Party
Scott Clarke left us with an important reminder in his last presentation at Collaborative Divorce Texas’ annual Spring Conference: it is the parties’ process. I am constantly reminding myself of same as I try to improve my skills as a collaborative attorney. One way I do so is not only continuing my training and education but immersing myself in the collaborative community in Texas, across the country and throughout the world. Learning from and observing the awe-inspiring talent that has … [Read more...]
One More Reason to Divorce Collaboratively
Last month, a Kentucky judge in a Bullitt County Family Court declined to grant a divorce after hearing the prove up for the divorce, and instead, sent the couple back to counseling. The parties had previously tried counseling several times, but those attempts were unsuccessful. The Judge’s rational for this ruling was that because the parties cordially resolved their divorce and put the interests of their child before their own, their marriage must not be irretrievably broken. Even the … [Read more...]
What’s Going On In The Collaborative Community
October 2021 28-31th The International Academy of Collaborative Professionals’ 22nd Annual Forum: Lighting the Way Together will take place live and in person in San Diego, California. For more information about the Forum and a detailed description of the planned presentations go to: https://www.collaborativepractice.com/iacp-forum For those unable to attend in person, IACP has created an opportunity to virtually attend a modified Forum Beacon When We Are Apart. For … [Read more...]
Summer Is Over, So Why Are The Dog Days Still Here?
Summer 2021 is winding down however, COVID Is not. While increase in the number of vaccinated has occurred, Delta has slowed our return to “normalcy”. The light at the end of the tunnel just seems to keep drifting farther. That reality weighs upon us, personally and professionally. It also weighs upon our clients. Nerves can be a little more on edge. Emotions run a little higher. Attention is more easily distracted and patience a little too thin. Therefore, we as collaborative … [Read more...]
What’s Going On In the Collaborative Community
September 2021 14 The Financial Neutral Role – It’s not just about the numbers IACP September Webinar (open to non-members) For more information or register go to https://www.collaborativepractice.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=136 23-24 JUST ROLL WITH IT: Recognizing & Responding to Resistance, a virtual Two Day Advanced Interdisciplinary Training Presented by CDT (detailed elsewhere in this Newsletter) October 2021 5 Noon CDT October … [Read more...]
Spotlight on the Collaborative Law Section
Congratulations to the new 2021-2022 State Bar of Texas Collaborative Law Section Council and Officers: Chair: Jill LoweVice Chair: Chris FarishVice Chair, Family: Cindi Barella GrahamVice Chair, Civil: Anne ShutteeSecretary: Dianne CarlsonTreasurer: Constance Mims Immediate Past Chair: Laura Schlenker Council Members are Richard Shannon and Lori Kern. In other BIG NEWS, the Section is launching a new and improved website this summer, CollaborativeLawSection.com Check it … [Read more...]
A Little Farther Afield
For those seeking an even broader perspective on the use and differences in collaborative law practice around the globe, the Australian Association of Collaborative Professionals (AACP) is holding an 8-part session series, the 2021 Road to Resolution Conference from April – November 2021. AACP RTR will be live-streamed online to offer a safe, secure and flexible experience for attendees to access from home, work or abroad. It also allows opportunity to those in Texas to attend a conference that … [Read more...]
Save The Date: IACP’s 22nd Annual Forum
The International Academy of Collaborative Professionals’ 22nd Annual Forum: Lighting the Way Together will take place live and in person in San Diego October 28 – 31, 2021. For those unable to attend in person, the Forum will also be available through a virtual program entitled Beacon When We’re Apart. The Forum consists of 8 Pre-Forum Institutes, 29 in-person workshops and 9 virtual workshops, each with highly skilled collaborative presenters from around the world, renowned Keynote speakers, … [Read more...]
September 2021 Advanced Interdisciplinary Training
CDT will present JUST ROLL WITH IT: Recognizing & Responding to Resistance, a virtual Two Day Advanced Interdisciplinary Training on Thursday, September 23, 2021: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Friday September 24, 2021: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The Trainer will be Deborah, Gilman, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist, mediator, child specialist, and coach who has special expertise working with those impacted by trauma. Dr. Gilman will inform us on how to better help clients navigate their … [Read more...]
CDT At Advanced Family Law Seminar
CDT will have a vendor booth during next month’s Advanced Family Law Seminar in San Antonio (Aug 2-5), so please stop by and say hello to our Executive Director, Ronda Robinson, who will be manning the booth. She would love to see people in person - finally. It is also an opportunity to encourage colleagues to learn about and join CDT. Also, on Monday August 2, 2021’s Awards Ceremony (usually held at the end of the day’s session) Dr. Honey Sheff will be receiving her Gay G. Cox Award. This … [Read more...]
A Few Words About Our Outgoing President
“Kid in a candy shop” is a great way to describe how our outgoing CDT Board President, Julie Quaid felt when she learned about Collaborative Law 20 years ago. Her excitement to learn everything about the process and implement it in her family law practice became her professional quest. She trained repeatedly (still does) and fully immersed herself in the new, better, and less destructive way for families to resolve divorce and child issues. And, as same was consistent with her personality and … [Read more...]
A Changing of the Guard
June marks the beginning of a new Board of Directors and Officers, and sadly, the end of the tenure of one who has worked tirelessly to help CDT be the best state Collaborative Association in the country. New board members are Mary Beth Dennie and Jamie Patterson. Mary Beth is a family counselor based in Weatherford, Texas. She holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology and is licensed by the State of Texas to provide psychotherapy and counseling services to individuals of all … [Read more...]
Sometimes It is Not About the Orange – A Review of May’s Lunch & Learn Presentation
The beauty of Collaborative Divorce and the collection of voices in CDT was punctuated by May’s “Lunch and Learn” presentation on “Curious Listening” by Syd Sharples, MBA, LCSW (assisted by Kris Algert, Tasha Rock and Julie Quaid). The topic addressed revealed how collaborative practice continues to evolve and redefine itself, never resting on its laurels. “Curious Listening” is a concept and technique that grew from the recognition that sometimes it is not about the “orange”. In many cases, … [Read more...]
Expand Your Reach
Membership in Collaborative Divorce Texas is crucial to a successful Collaborative Divorce Practice. It provides access to forms, training, education, shared marketing and critically, interaction and connection with like-minded professionals. Along with membership, CDT facilitates a sense of Community. Our statewide community is expansive but it is also extremely important to participate in the collaborative community at all levels. Becoming active in your collaborative practice group, local bar … [Read more...]
CDT Presenting “Lunch And Learn” Series
On April 6, 2021 Collaborative Divorce Texas initiated its virtual “Lunch and Learn” series which features a cross section of experienced collaborative professionals discussing various issues of common interest to those who practice collaborative divorce - all from comfort of your desk/desktop. The series of unique one-hour presentations will be held at noon on the first Tuesday of each month through November, 2021. Not only will CDT members gain great insight from the Lunch and Learn, but … [Read more...]
Spring Conference Wrap
Touted as The Best Seminar You Will Never Attend, the tongue-in-cheek promotion was spot on. Having attended IACP's Annual Forum in October, I was keenly aware that virtual collaborative conferences can still be intimate, connections can be made, and community shared. Texas Collaborative Professionals insured that 2021 Spring Conference was all that and a bag of (tortilla) chips more. The Course Directors, Planning Committee, presenters, CDT Board, State Bar and all responsible for the technical … [Read more...]
COVID-19 and Its Impact on Foundational Changes to The Practice of Law and Service Professionals
The massive shifts in daily lives occurring in 2020 required lawyers and other service providers to rethink, reimagine and reengineer how they provided their services to their clients, interacted with other professionals, and fulfilled their obligations to their clients. Grace and understanding during the initial learning curve have given way to an expectation of competence. All of this has occurred when none of us know exactly what the future will bring as far as COVID-19 is concerned. We … [Read more...]
Make Diversity in Collaborative Practice Your New Year’s Resolution
Collaborative Divorce will only truly succeed if it is viewed as a process for everyone. Every sex, every ethnicity, every religion, every sexual orientation, every gender identification, and every economic group. Such applies to the professional who practice Collaborative Divorce. Our membership and leadership must reflect society. Unfortunately, and despite efforts such as pro bono projects, CDT and our clients lack diversity. Therefore, we must look deep within ourselves as … [Read more...]
Seeing 2020 Out the Door
Season’s Greetings to all. You may notice that I am not Harry. More on that next month. But until then… 2020 was, without exaggeration, a year that will live in infamy. From COVID to the elections, the stress level of the country reached record highs. Loss of life was heartbreaking. Loss of connection to friends, family, and colleagues difficult. But, with a slight Twist on Dickens, while it was the worst of times, it was at points, the best of times. It allowed our greatest angels to … [Read more...]
