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...]
14th Annual Collaborative Law Course (Spring Conference)
With the annual SBOT/CDT Collaborative Law Course less than seven weeks away, I began thinking about what the conference means to all of us and the significance of its commonly referred to name, “Spring Conference”. Spring is a season of new beginnings, and the collaborative divorce process contributes immeasurably to the way a family begins their new relationship. Collaborative Divorce helps each client transition to their “new beginning” in the most positive, transparent, respectful, and … [Read more...]
Camille Milner Receives Gay G. Cox Award for Excellence in Collaborative Law
The Annual Gay G. Cox Award for Excellence in Collaborative Law has been presented to Denton Collaborative Attorney Camille Milner. The award was announced at the Collaborative Law Conference in Austin and is normally presented at the State Bar’s Annual Advanced Family Law Seminar in August each year. The Covid-19 Pandemic forced that seminar online this year. Camille Milner is being honored for her contributions to the Collaborative Divorce movement in Texas. Milner … [Read more...]
Credentialing 2020 Updates
Collaborative Divorce Texas established the requirements for its members to become credentialed in 2017 with an Inaugural Class of nineteen attorneys, two financial professionals and six mental health professionals. Since that time, seventeen more Collaborative Divorce Texas members have been credentialed. With the accomplishment of qualifying to be a Credentialed Collaborative Professional or a Master Credentialed Collaborative Professional, our members are able to distinguish … [Read more...]
Divorce, Oil and Gas, and Covid-19
In any Divorce, involving “Oil and Gas”, the professional needs to be aware of the “special circumstances” that are present. If the oil and gas issue is present in the divorce due to one of the parties having mineral interests, there are tracing, depletion and reimbursement claims that will need to be considered. However, if the Oil and gas issue is present in the divorce due to one of the parties owning or in management of an Oil and Gas company, the moving parts that are present with the … [Read more...]
Be a Zoomie! Collaborative Zoom Meeting Checklist
Many collaborative professionals are utilizing Zoom, Web EX or other video platforms to conduct collaborative meetings. Guidelines that comprise good meeting protocols, including preparedness, paying attention, and proper flow of meeting all apply to the success of Collaborative video meetings and contribute to a productive outcome. The goals of any collaborative meeting include maintaining respect for all attendees, efficiency, targeted communication, sharing information, asking … [Read more...]
Time to Get Ready for our Monumental Moment: An Ironic Gift Given to us by the Coronavirus
I recently came across an article that had a title that caught my attention, “Time to Tend to Our Souls: Coronavirus May Allow Us to Address the Distractions that Separate Us from Each Other [and from God],” but when I checked the author and found out that he was from a more conservative denomination and theology than I subscribe to, I sat it aside, thinking I would try to get back to it when I had time. A couple of times, in cleaning up my piles of newspapers, I almost threw it away without … [Read more...]
5 Things To Do Now in the Midst of Coronavirus Limitations
Coronavirus or COVID-19 is creating all kinds of havoc in our lives and in business. Here at The Crouch Group, we have some recommendations for how to manage during this crisis and hopefully emerge stronger after the crisis has passed. 1. Zoom We are great fans of Zoom. There are opportunities to conduct client meetings, webinars and even joint collaborative meetings by Zoom. Some of our California clients are offering the Divorce Options class by Zoom. … [Read more...]
Making Use of Virtual Collaborative Divorce Meetings During the Coronavirus Pandemic
As collaborative professionals we have the benefit of not having to prepare for and attend hearings in court except for obtaining uncontested divorces or agreed orders in suits affecting the parent-child relationship. Thus, we are not dependent upon the earnings we make from litigation unlike many other family lawyers, financial professionals, and MHP’s. Our economic welfare is solely dependent upon making the best use of the collaborative law process to resolve differences between parents and … [Read more...]
13th Annual Collaborative Law Conference Austin – March 5-6, 2020
As anxious as we all feel, it was reaffirming as a collaborative practitioner to attend this year’s Spring Conference in Austin. From the opening remarks about what has been accomplished in Texas over the last 20 years to John McShane’s militant cry that it’s time we directly challenge the family law litigators to the profound lyrics of Jack Emmott’s remarks about the presence of hope in our everyday lives, the conference had a lot to offer all the attendees. Austin’s Jonathan Friday … [Read more...]
Expanding Collaborative Divorce Marketing Efforts
What are we trying to accomplish when we announce that we are creating new marketing efforts in order to grow the use of the Collaborative Divorce Process in Texas? In one of my previous incarnations, I was an entertainment executive responsible for programming theaters and amphitheaters with live entertainment. I had a mentor who used very few words when he gave me advice on marketing: “Sell more tickets!!” I would sit back in my chair and think about that phrase over and over. … [Read more...]
Policies and Procedure Committee
Committee Mission Create, review, make recommendations, and potential changes in CDT’s policies and procedures. The Policy and Procedures Committee shall meet once yearly in person and by electronic means quarterly or as needed to accomplish the committee's goals. Workflow of the committee: Documents would be drafted and sent between members for review and feedback until the policy or procedure is ready for board review and then revised as needed. Goals of … [Read more...]
A Behind The Scenes Look At The Collaborative Divorce Texas Fund-Raising Committee
There are challenges and opportunities with all charitable non-profit organizations, such as Collaborative Divorce Texas. Of course, we all know Collaborative Divorce Texas is certainly more than a charitable non-profit organization. The fact remains that we, like other charitable non-profit organizations, rely on assistance from our members, and the public. One of the ways we can support Collaborative Divorce Texas is to donate. We can donate our time, effort and our … [Read more...]
To Credential or not to…Nope, Not is NOT an option
To all my collaborative colleagues who shudder at the thought of going through yet another certifying process to add to your already over-certified resume, I ask you to take a deep breath and take the plunge—if not to distinguish yourself, for the sake of lending credibility to the practice of collaborative divorce. We in the collaborative divorce world are continuing to fight for legitimacy of a process that we all believe in. But passion and faith are not enough to ensure that collaborative … [Read more...]
It Was Worth It
Why You Should Become a Credentialed Collaborative Professional I’m sure many collaborative professionals have wondered--like I did--whether getting the collaborative credential would be worth the effort. Collaborative Divorce Texas credentials aren’t pay-to-play like so many awards these days. You have to earn it, and it takes time and diligence. What do we all want? More collaborative cases! While I can’t prove the increase in my collaborative cases … [Read more...]
New CDT Membership Benefits
As Chair of the Membership Committee, I and our committee members are always considering ways to provide you with greater benefits for your membership with Collaborative Divorce Texas. With our enhanced social media campaign that was launched just this last year, we have more and more people coming to our organization’s website to learn about the benefits of a Collaborative Divorce and find Collaborative Divorce professionals to represent them in the process. If you don’t have your membership … [Read more...]
Protocols of Practice – Policies and Procedures Committee
The Policies and Procedure Committee are working to revamp Protocols of Practice for Collaborative Divorce Texas members. The Protocols are designed to provide guidance and assistance to professionals using the collaborative process by utilizing a uniform approach to attain the best outcome for their clients. The protocols are to be used as a guideline, by professionals who are trained in the collaborative process. The protocols address the fundamentals of the process, the need to preserve … [Read more...]
An Inconvenient Truth: What the legal system tells us about children and divorce
At last year’s State Bar of Texas Collaborative Law Course, Jennifer Leister and Carie Silvestri presented “#Truth: Children speak the truth about divorce.” Building off that presentation, Carie and Jennifer and a committee of collaborative professionals from throughout the state, including Dr Honey Sheff, Melinda Eitzen, JD, Curtis Harrison, JD, and Mickey Gaylor, JD, interviewed judges, custody evaluators, amicus attorneys, guardians ad litem, and collaborative MHPs about the effects of … [Read more...]
12th Annual Collaborative Law “Spring Conference”
The 12th Annual Collaborative Law “Spring Conference” is just a few weeks away! This year’s course “Collaborative Law: Avoiding Breaking Bad When Breaking Up” is co-sponsored by Collaborative Divorce Texas and the Collaborative Law Section of the State Bar of Texas. The focus of this year’s course is tackling difficulties in Collaborative Practice: difficult cases, difficult parties, difficult issues, and difficulties in growing your Collaborative business. Amy Lambert is this year’s … [Read more...]
Why Be A Member of Collaborative Divorce Texas?
Your membership in Collaborative Divorce Texas is important. It is important to you. It is important to your clients. It is important to the greater legal community. And it takes pioneers like you to renew your membership each year and increase the benefit of this growing movement to all of us. Why It’s Important to You Not to sound self-aggrandizing, but Collaborative Divorce Texas has become a leader in our nation and around the world for the promotion of Collaborative Divorce when … [Read more...]
Woody Mosten to Keynote 12th Annual Collaborative Conference
Collaborative Divorce Texas is excited to welcome Forrest (Woody) Mosten as our keynote speaker to the 12th Annual State Bar of Texas Course in Collaborative Law: "Avoid Breaking Bad When Breaking Up" in Dallas on March 7-8, 2019. Woody will be presenting "Guiding Your Client Through Difficult Situations" as the keynote of a conference focused on handling difficulties in Collaborative practice: difficult issues, difficult personalities, difficult tax questions, and difficult in launching and … [Read more...]
November Web Traffic Hits New High
One of the key elements of the Collaborative Divorce Texas public education campaign is to educate more people about the collaborative divorce. For the past 30 months, CDT has been using Social Media to introduce the collaborative divorce process and to drive traffic to the CDT Website. The campaign was expanded statewide in July and as a result web traffic has been growing to new levels. November web traffic reached a new high water mark with 6,731 visits to the website which … [Read more...]
Letter From The President
Fall is a time for giving and for gratitude. It is also a time for reflection. When I think about the first several months of my presidency of CDT I am filled with gratitude: for the opportunity the collaborative process gives couples, and the professionals who help them, to restructure their families and lives; for the chance to work with the amazing and talented colleagues who share the same vision, hope and commitment; for the members of CDT who support both the process and our organization; … [Read more...]
The 12th Annual Collaborative Law Course
The 12th Annual Collaborative Law Course (Collaborative Law: Avoid Breaking Bad When Breaking Up) will be held March 7-8, 2019 at the Westin Galleria in Dallas, Texas. The course is co-sponsored by the Collaborative Law Section of the State Bar of Texas and Collaborative Divorce Texas and will offer over 12 hours of continuing education and 3.5 hours of ethics. The course will focus on dealing with difficult cases, parties, issues, and teams in the practice of Collaborative Law. Forrest … [Read more...]
Credentialing Application Deadline September 30th
The application deadline for the 2019 Credentialing class is September 30th. There are many benefits to receiving this designation as a Collaborative professional. Fort Worth MHP, Carol Mapp, shares why she decided to pursue being Master Credentialed. Why I Wanted To Be Master Credentialed Master Credentialing demonstrates significant achievements beyond the mandatory training requirements to be a collaborative professional. Master Credentialing status conveys that this is an individual who … [Read more...]
Secondary Traumatic Stress in Attorneys Who Practice Family Law
Lynn Jennings, PhD, LPCS, LSOT Stephen Jennings, PhD, LPCS, LSOTP Jennings Counseling and Associates - Amarillo, TX Lynn and Stephen Jennings gave an in-depth look at our professional selves to the attendees at the sold-out Collaborative Divorce Texas Luncheon on Tuesday at the Advanced Family Law Course in San Antonio. While the title of the talk was enough to make one think we were taking a graduate level course in psychology, the presenters did a terrific job of minimizing jargon and … [Read more...]
Beyond Interest-Based Negotiation – Stephen H. Sulmeyer, J.D., Ph.D.
Doctor Stephen Sulmeyer led a challenging all day class in Austin in June for the 50+ collaborative team members attending the 2018 CDT Advanced Training. Moving beyond interest-based negotiation is a big change from how most of us were trained. After briefly tracing the evolution of modern negotiation practice from position-based to interest-based, he broke new ground for many of us by suggesting that the evolution of the next paradigm will require: • a willingness to be uncomfortable; … [Read more...]
Meet New Board Member Rhonda Cleaves
Name: Rhonda Cleaves Date and Place of Birth: Houston. My husband likes to say that I was born before men landed on the moon (a whole 2 weeks). Family: A kind and generous husband, 2 very sports-oriented teenagers – a son and a daughter, and a loveable chocolate lab who doesn’t get nearly as much attention as she should. Education: B.A. from Stephen F. Austin State University, J.D. from University of Texas School of Law; graduate studies at Escuela Libre de Derecho in Mexico City Firm Name: … [Read more...]
Welcome New CDT Board Members!
I would like to extend a warm welcome to the new CDT Board members who begin their terms in 2018: Rhonda Cleaves and Kevin Pinkley. Rhonda Cleaves Rhonda is an attorney in Plano who has an almost exclusively collaborative divorce practice and has already served in several volunteer capacities for CDT, including participation on the Forms committee, in the development of the Parenting Plan Checklist and most recently as Director of the SBOT Collaborative Law Course. Kevin … [Read more...]
I MADE A DIFFERENCE Campaign
Many of you may have heard that CDT launched a major fund-raising effort during spring conference designed to help you by helping us make collaborative divorce the preferred method of divorce in Texas. The “I MADE A DIFFERENCE” campaign, which asked our members to donate the monetary equivalent of one billable hour, was limited to the 2 days of the conference and had the lofty goal of raising $20,000. We are most happy to report that our membership TRULY stepped up and more than 50% of attendees … [Read more...]
Collaborative Divorce Texas Member – Newsletter Profile
Name: Carol Mapp Date and Place of Birth: Dallas, Texas Family: We are a close and eclectic bunch Education: UNT (When it was NTSU) Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education, Masters in Science and Social Work UT Arlington, graduated from Coors University in the early 80s (Yes that is a real thing…I have the diploma somewhere) Firm Name: Integrated Healthworks Member of Collaborative Divorce Texas since: 2006 or 2008 (I think) I started practicing Collaboratively because: I … [Read more...]
Register Now! 2018 Collaborative Law Conference
With just over a week before the annual Collaborative Law Conference co-sponsored by Collaborative Divorce Texas and the State Bar of Texas, it’s not too late to register. (Register here.) Discounts are still available for members of Collaborative Divorce Texas and/or the Collaborative Law Section of the State Bar of Texas. In response to requests for substantive skill building presentations, this year’s Course Directors and Planning Committee have put together a program that will have … [Read more...]
Practice Tip: Just What Was I Thinking When I Put This Team Together?
Two things immediately come to mind when I am being interviewed by a prospective collaborative client: First, how do we get the other spouse to agree to use the collaborative process ; and Second, I hope I know the other lawyer. This is entirely because assembling a collaborative team is always so much easier when the other lawyer is something of a known quantity. It makes the initial evaluation and communication period, that time prior to the signing of the Collaborative Agreement, so much … [Read more...]
Collaborative Divorce Texas Member – Newsletter Profile
Name: Camille Milner Date and Place of Birth: Fort Worth, Texas; December 24, 1958 Family: Tim Crouch, husband, and two sons, Charles (28) and William (21) Education: UT Law School; graduation 1983; UNT, B.A. History & Political Science 1980 Firm Name: S. Camille Milner, P.C. Member of Collaborative Divorce Texas since: Charter Member since January 2004 I started practicing Collaborative Divorce because: I wanted to help families transition to a new stage without being destructive to … [Read more...]
“The Sweet Spot,” by Christine Carter, Ph.D. – A Book Review by Camille Milner
Remember that quote: “If you love your work, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Confucius, Mark Antony and Mark Twain have all been given credit for this quote in slightly different forms. I have even quoted it when I am feeling really happy in what I am doing. But REALLY—we all know that even if we LOVE our work, too often it still seems like work, except for those rare special times… I know you have felt it—that feeling that you have when you are doing something that you love so much … [Read more...]
The Importance of Team Aptitude
After the collaborative professional team is formed, important questions arise such as: “What can we accomplish together?” “How can we best meet the needs of this divorcing family?” It is easier to answer these questions if team members focus on acknowledging, understanding, and honoring the abilities or aptitudes of others. The Johnson O’Connor foundation has studied human behavior and how individuals interact with others and have been a pioneer in the area of aptitude. Aptitude is defined … [Read more...]
“2017 The Year in Review”
Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action. - Peter Drucker December is a month for holiday celebrations and thoughtful reflections on the year. Reflections that lay the ground work for our New Year’s resolutions and the action steps that support them. This year CDT continued its education and public awareness campaign about the benefits of Collaborative Divorce with the long-term goal of making Collaborative Divorce the … [Read more...]
Collaborative Divorce Texas Member – Newsletter Profile
Name: Honey A. Sheff Date and Place of Birth 11-24-1954; Brooklyn, NY Family: one of two children (the younger sister), father deceased and mother about to turn 98; married to my high school sweetheart; 2 millennial aged children (son and daughter) and currently one dog and one cat Education: BA from Queens College/CUNY (1975); MA (1977) and Ph.D. (1981) from Stony Brook University; Graduate Certificate Degree in Dispute Resolution from SMU (2001) Firm Name: Honey A. Sheff, Ph.D., P.C. … [Read more...]
President’s Letter November 2017
“We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.” — Cynthia Ozick Thanksgiving puts gratitude front and center. Initially thinking about gratitude in the context of Collaborative Divorce felt a bit contrived. Yet, the more I thought, the more my gratitude for it grew (those of you more steeped in the practice of gratitude are not surprised by this) as well as my understanding of why we all do the hard work that it requires of us. Because it matters. Collaborative … [Read more...]
Important Information about the CDT Credentialing Process and Your Application
Applications for the Collaborative Divorce Texas 2018 Master Credentialed and Credentialed Collaborative Professional class are due August 31, 2017. The application, requirements and FAQs/Instructions are all found on the CDT website under the Credentialing Tab on the Member’s site. The new class of Master Credentialed and Credentialed Collaborative Professionals will be announced at the Collaborative Law Course in March 2018. Achievement of this designation demonstrates a commitment to the … [Read more...]
Important Information about the CDT Credentialing Process and Your Application
Applications for the Collaborative Divorce Texas 2018 Master Credentialed and Credentialed Collaborative Professional class are due August 31, 2017. The application, requirements and FAQs/Instructions are all found on the CDT website under the Credentialing Tab on the Member’s site. The new class of Master Credentialed and Credentialed Collaborative Professionals will be announced at the Collaborative Law Course in March 2018. Achievement of this designation demonstrates a commitment to the … [Read more...]
What constitutes Leadership and Service for the Master Credentialed Collaborative Professional application?
Leadership and service are based upon an applicant’s contributions to the collaborative community over the course of his/her career prior to application. It is not possible to quantify this requirement. The Credentialing Committee is looking for significant service, dedication and leadership by the applicant, which in most instances will require leadership and service in more than one activity. Leadership and significant service improves the quality of the collaborative community, whether it … [Read more...]
Tips for Completing the Training and Education Section of the CDT Credentialing Application
Tips for Completing the Training and Education Section of the CDT Credentialing Application Although the requirements and application process for CDT Credentialing are demanding, they are objective. If you meet the requirements, you will be credentialed. The Credentialing Committee asks that you be diligent in completing your application. Read the Requirements, Application and FAQs/Instructions carefully before submitting your application. Due to the painstaking review of each application, … [Read more...]
Tips for Completing your Collaborative Divorce Texas Credentialing Application
Although the requirements and application process for CDT Credentialing are demanding, they are objective. If you meet the requirements, you will be credentialed. The Credentialing Committee asks that you be diligent in completing your application. Read the Requirements, Application and FAQs/Instructions carefully before submitting your application. Due to the painstaking review of each application, the Credentialing Committee asks that you do not apply until you meet the criteria or your … [Read more...]
Has being credentialed helped my collaborative business?
Since becoming a Master Credential collaborative lawyer in March, my collaborative business has definitely increased. For whatever reason—knowledge of the collaborative option; couples seeking to avoid the cost, financial and otherwise, of litigation—I see more clients aware of and open to collaboration than ever before. Several have pointed to my credential as a distinguishing factor in their choice to employ me and my firm. Simply put, the credential matters. The impact of client awareness … [Read more...]
Has being credentialed helped my collaborative business?
Since becoming a Master Credential collaborative lawyer in March, my collaborative business has definitely increased. For whatever reason—knowledge of the collaborative option; couples seeking to avoid the cost, financial and otherwise, of litigation—I see more clients aware of and open to collaboration than ever before. Several have pointed to my credential as a distinguishing factor in their choice to employ me and my firm. Simply put, the credential matters. The impact of … [Read more...]
President’s Letter June 2017
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit." - Aristotle What is the most important factor in branding Collaborative Divorce? Bottom line, a positive client experience is key to creating and maintaining a strong brand for Collaborative Divorce. No matter how much CDT markets to and educates the public, clients must have good experiences with Collaborative Divorce for it to grow and thrive. And that job rests solely with you. What determines whether a … [Read more...]
Effective Client Screening in the Collaborative Process
As collaborative practitioners we recognize and value the utility of utilizing the collaborative approach to divorce with our clients. While this approach offers many advantages, not all clients may be appropriate for this process. Some clients arrive at this difficult time in their lives with a variety of psychosocial and psychological issues such as active substance abuse, significant depression or anxiety, history of anger and high conflict, or with pre-existing maladaptive personality traits … [Read more...]
Hello from Your MHP
It has become increasingly common for the Mental Health Professional (MHP) on teams to meet with clients prior to the initial joint meeting. This practice initially began as a mechanism for assessing client fit for the collaborative process, typically when one, or both, of the attorneys had some concerns about the appropriateness of the clients for the process. However, while the value of such screening meetings is clear, over time this practice has expanded beyond its initial purpose and has … [Read more...]
Challenges for the Stay-at-Home Parent Facing Divorce
Due to many factors, such as increasing child care costs, philosophical resolve, or stress of managing home and life, many couples make a conscious decision at some point in their marriage to have only one parent work outside the home. When parents make the decision to divorce, one of the many difficult aspects to consider occurs when one parent is displaced as he or she has not worked in the labor force for a substantial number of years but worked in the home providing unpaid services for … [Read more...]
The Importance of Gratitude in Your Practice
November is the month of Thanksgiving, where many of us reflect on what we are grateful for. If you haven’t considered the value of gratitude in the collaborative process, I encourage you to give it some thought. Gratitude is infectious, motivates others, and strengthens team relationships. An environment full of gratitude encourages team members and clients alike to give their best. Gratitude is a core of principle needed for team effectiveness and growth of the collaborative movement. Many … [Read more...]
Filled Out Your Profile Yet? You Might Be Missing Out!
Among the many benefits of membership in Collaborative Divorce Texas is your member profile on the Collaborative Divorce Texas Website. Visitors to the site looking to hire a collaborative professional can search by city or county to locate a professional near them. But an important question is: Have you completely filled out your profile.? If you have not, and some members still haven’t, then you may be missing out on leads for collaborative cases in your own backyard. Last month, we … [Read more...]
Guiding Parents on When NOT to Tell Their Children about Divorce
One of the most difficult challenges facing parents who are planning to divorce is what to tell their children. While indeed this is perhaps the most painful conversation that parents will ever have, a frequently overlooked dynamic is the timing of this discussion. As a lawyer or mental health professional, you are often one of the first people in a position to guide your clients in not only what to say, but when to say it. You need to help your client see this experience from their child’s … [Read more...]
