Paula Hopkins, Attorney at Law

1. Each party retains an attorney. For a list of attorneys who have been trained in collaborative law go to the clasp website: www.clasplaw.org

2. All four parties review and sign a participation agreement that governs the process.

3. Agendas are prepared by the parties in advance of the meetings to minimize surprises.

4. The parties generate options, negotiate and decide how to resolve issues in four way meeting with both parties and their attorneys present.

5. Parties meet with their counsel to prepare for the meetings and to debrief after the meetings.

6. Notes of each meeting are prepared and circulated for approval by all parties.

7. When an agreement is reached, the lawyers prepare the agreement for the parties review and signature.