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...]
President’s Corner
To quote my Italian paisano, Leonardo Da Vinci, “Learning is the only thing the mind never exhausts, never fears, and never regrets.” A great tool that CDT prides itself on is excellent training and educational sessions. This year we have implemented a monthly ‘Lunch and Learn’ hour that creates a space where CDT members can share their experience using the Collaborative disciplines. Another is our Spring Conference each year. This is a special time to hear from many Collaborative … [Read more...]
Virtual Basic Interdisciplinary Training
Participants must attend ALL sessions (there is only one registration for all four half-day sessions) to receive credit for the Collaborative Basic Training by Collaborative Divorce Texas standards and for credentialing purposes. If a participant is only able to attend a portion of the days, application can be made for those hours of CLE/CE credits. Thursday November 4, 2021 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Friday November 5, 2021 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. AND Thursday November 11, 2021 … [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...]
President’s Corner
MLK, Jr. said, “the time is always right to do the right thing.” This is a principle at the very core of why CDT exists and why I’m involved in this process – to add value to our professional platforms and to efficiently make progress every time we connect with those we serve. As we have witnessed extreme styles of political and social polarization of late, it’s possible some of it may have also spilled over into the lives of our clients, and thus …into our practices. My hope is that CDT can … [Read more...]
Credentialing: Can I Get It Done?
Since the collaborative process is about transparency, if you are asking this question today the honest answer is probably not for this year’s class of applicants (although you can certainly try). While not impossible, the application process was designed to be challenging so that the achievement would have significance and be worth the effort it required. Credentialing is not a rubber stamp process, nor is it simply an “application” to fill out and submit with a guarantee of acceptance. As a … [Read more...]
Practice Tip for Credentialing in 6 Easy Steps
In 2017, Collaborative Divorce Texas made credentialing available to qualified legal, financial, and mental health professionals. Getting credentialed involves several steps and can be challenging if you don’t plan ahead because some requirements take years to complete. The requirements to qualify to be a Credentialed Collaborative Professional include: Be a member of CDT for three consecutive years prior to your application;Be licensed and in good standing with your applicable … [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/register?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 … [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...]
Gay G. Cox Award Presentation
The book “Generation to Generation” presents a “systems approach” to resolving conflict whether within church or a divorce. The author, Edwin H. Freeman, coined a phrase, “the non-anxious presence,” to describe certain people who can change the dynamics in a room or negotiation. Gay G. Cox, one of our pioneers in Collaborative Divorce, was such a non-anxious presence. We lost her 8 years ago in a freak accident, but she remains one of our guiding lights. It’s no wonder that she and this … [Read more...]
President’s Corner
Looking forward to our new normal, even as we experience more variants, we continue to redefine some of the rhythms of life and work. I want to talk about a unique rhythm of Collaborative divorce that I believe is a special and essential value to our process. If I may share…having spent a decade in the restaurant industry, followed by another decade in construction, my friend John Anderson convinced me it was time to dedicate full time and energy to the practice of business valuation and … [Read more...]
Distinguish Yourself, Shine Your Light and Get Credentialed
For over 20 years the worldwide Collaborative Divorce Movement has been devoting its efforts in educating the public on the benefits of this process to protect and preserve the co-parenting relationship, shelter children from harm in custody litigation and enable couples to uncouple in a civil, caring, and compassionate manner. Those efforts by you, me and CDT have created a greater demand for Texas couples to choose Collaborative Divorce as the preferred method to dissolve their … [Read more...]
President’s Corner
As my first act as the new President for CDT, I want to acknowledge all the CLI-TX/CDT Presidents and Trustees that have served us so very well and extend my gratitude. I am both humbled and honored to work among professionals, who walk with clients during some of the hardest and most painful times of life. I know that there is no need to remind the members of CDT of the virtue in the critical work you do to help families in the divorce process. I appreciate the time and care you give … [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...]
Newly Updated Collaborative Forms Now Available
Your CDT Forms Committee (Chair, David S. Bouschor, II; members Amy Lambert and Camille Milner), have been working through the forms on the website to update them for everyone’s use. So far, we have completed the revisions to the Participation Agreement (Team and Lawyers Only Models) and the Short Form Highlights of the Participation Agreement and they have been approved by your Board so they are being uploaded to the CDT website.We have also been working on adding the “passport” language that … [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...]
Spotlight on CDT Executive Director Ronda Robinson
The Board of Trustees of Collaborative Divorce Texas is happy to announce that after seventeen years of filling the role on a part time basis, Ronda Robinson has agreed to provide her services as CDT’s Executive Director full time. As Executive Director, Ronda is responsible for the day-to-day activities of CDT. She wears many hats and wears them all equally well. At any given moment, Ronda can change hats according to CDT’s needs. As most of our members know Ronda from her most visible … [Read more...]
LUNCH & LEARN – Presented by Jennifer Tull, JD: Expanding the Pie when Negotiating Children’s Schedules
Date: June 1, 2021Time: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm via ZOOM We have all had the client who wants to compare the number of days per month he or she has with the children to the number of days the children will spend with their other parent. That seems understandable, if not reasonable. Then there are the parents who want to compare hours, or waking hours, weekend hours, or non-school waking hours, or hours outside of school and extracurricular activities when they can be with … [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...]
Lunch And The Polyvagel Theory
CDT’s Education and Training Committee, chaired by Carol Mapp, devised a ingenious way to bring continuing education to our members during a time when going to seminars and trainings has been limited by the Covid pandemic. On April 6th, members of CDT were treated to the first of a series of free Lunch and Learn presentations. This one was skillfully reported by our own Jennifer Leister and Melinda Eitzen along with Charissa Fry, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Sunnyvale. The … [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...]
A Collaborative Professional’s Experience Using Her Skills With Her Aging Parents
Recently, my family had the extraordinarily grueling challenge of helping our parents come to the realization that they could no longer live on their own. While in rehab following my father’s brain surgery, he admitted to my sisters and me he could no longer care for our mother. And while our mother thought she was fully capable of caring for herself and him, the reality was much different. Any time my sister or I even mentioned our parents leaving their home, our mother became … [Read more...]
Don’t Miss This Summer’s Advanced Training!
Last year we missed CDT’s annual Advanced Training, but thankfully, it is back on the schedule this year. Jacinta Gallant, a Canadian collaborative lawyer, conflict trainer, mediator and innovator will be presenting virtually but still interactively. Jacinta is recognized internationally for her insightful and experiential approach to teaching and managing conflict. She is known for her keen intelligence, engaging personality, and practical, non-judgmental approach to conflict. Her trainings are … [Read more...]
Dr. Honey Sheff Awarded the 2021 Gay G. Cox Award for Excellence in Collaborative Law
The Gay G. Cox Award for Excellence in Collaborative Law is given annually by Collaborative Divorce Texas to an exceptionally deserving CDT member who is substantially involved in collaborative practice, devoted fully to any task undertaken (often going above and beyond the call of duty), exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and ethics, and finally, is passionately committed to transforming the conflict resolution process. This year’s recipient of the Gay G. Cox Award for … [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...]
Annual CDT General Membership Meeting
On Friday, March 5, CDT will be holding its 3rd Annual General Membership Meeting in conjunction with the State Bar Collaborative Law Conference. Unlike the Conference which will be presented in a webinar-style format, the General Membership Meeting will be a live format meeting on Zoom from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. It will be a great opportunity to connect virtually with Collaborative friends from around the state and hear what CDT has been doing for you in the last year. Since the start of this … [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...]
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...]
