“Paradoxes are engendered by inexact or incomplete definitions, and a closer study of the concepts involved in them usually removes the paradoxes and reveals interesting distinctions among closely related processes and conditions instead.”   - Susanne Langer

Collaborative Law:  A new way to handle even tough disputes

Emerging trends in alternative dispute resolution give you options besides a traditional lawsuit to resolve your business or family conflicts.  Collaborative Law encourages parties to face each other in increasingly honest discussions about their conflict and possible resolutions.  Collaborative lawyers and professionals assist with solutions that emerge from these discussions, rather than seek a decision imposed by the court system. 

Like my colleagues in law, mediation, coaching and other professions, I am trained to pace the discussions, to watch for underlying concerns and contexts, and to problem solve creatively.  In addition, I understand that it may be necessary to let the conflict surface – respectfully – in order to be fully resolved.

I am a member of King County Collaborative Law, the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, and the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts.  

Dispute Resolution Preparation:  Know where you stand before you negotiate

To make good use of collaborative law or mediation you must identify which of your interests are key and which areas you can negotiate with more flexibility.  Ideally, you also stay calm and open to creative solutions.

My experience accounting for businesses allows me to provide financial models of damages and of potential agreements.  I also appreciate complexities of small and family businesses that are harder to quantify, but also must be considered.

If harm is serious enough to lead to litigation, it is seldom purely monetary.  While it is tempting to set aside emotions as complex or messy, they actually serve to discriminate what is important from unimportant in the environment.  More practically speaking, if we ignore emotions they may sabotage settlements or compliance with agreements. 

I trust intentional conversation over any other means to help you articulate and prioritize what you want for your future.