Quick Tips: How to Find a Good Collaborative Attorney

Let's assume that you are facing a divorce or some other family law issue. Let's also assume that you know enough about Collaborative Law to want to use the process to resolve your issue. You certainly want to find a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer who is trained in Collaborative Law. Here are some quick tips to help you find the kind of attorney you want.

1. Ask around. That's always a good way to start. Referrals from family, friends, attorneys or other professionals can lead to an appropriate attorney. Find someone who has worked well with someone in the recent past.

2. Research attorneys on the Internet. Look beyond mere statements that the attorneys utilize Collaborative Law. Look for attorneys who discuss their feelings about Collaborative Law and who demonstrate that they have had extensive training in it. Look at attorneys' web sites and blogs to discover their credentials and attitudes.

3. When you call an attorney's office, ask about the attorney's experience and whether or not he or she has been to one or more two-day trainings in Collaborative Law. For an attorney to work effectively in the Collaborative model, it really is necessary to have had at least one two-day training, and multiple trainings improve the quality of work by the attorney.

4. When you meet with the prospective attorney, you should discuss the attorney's approach to cases generally and determine whether Collaborative is the attorney's preferred approach. Some experienced Collaborative lawyers can also utilize some of the Collaborative Law skills in non-Collaborative cases, and that is worth discussing with the attorney.

5. Ask for help on how to discuss the issue with your spouse. That is difficult to do, but a good Collaborative lawyer should be able to brainstorm with you to come up with some ideas.

Utilizing these quick tips should help you find a qualified Collaborative lawyer to help you resolve you family law issue peacefully and effectively. Good luck!