The Lawyers:
- Trained in mediation and collaborative family law, typically through the Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia
- Training in Collaborative Law develops collaborative skills not adversarial tactics
- The lawyers’ role in the collaborative process is to facilitate negotiations, representing their respective clients in a non-adversarial manner
Divorce Coaches:
- Licensed mental health practitioners and therapists
- Can be specialists in family therapy, psychology, counselling, social work, etc.
- Assist in resolving emotional issues and facilitating communication
- Use conflict resolution skills
- Advise on parenting arrangements serving the needs of the children
Child Specialists:
- Licensed mental health practitioners and therapists with experience dealing with children and divorce
- Can be brought in to act as a neutral advocate for the child
- Can help communication between child and parents
- Can provide a safe environment for the child to raise concerns
Financial Specialists:
- Must be certified financial planners, general accountants, or chartered accountants
- Where property and income are in dispute, the lawyer can involve a financial specialist for accounting purposes
- Can provide neutral advice about financial consequences of agreements, proposals, etc.