Independence ministerial Alliance

Collaborative Law is September topic

Our monthly meeting is Thursday, September 9 at 11 am.   First Presbyterian Church on the Square is our host. Everyone is welcome; you do not need to be a pastor or ordained to attend. RSVP 816-252-6662 or fpcindep@swbell.net

This month's topic is an introduction to Collaborative Law, a hope-filled new approach to divorce and other family legal disputes. In the Collaborative Law process each spouse is represented by an attorney hired to advise the client and achieve a negotiated settlement in a context of full and open disclosure where the goal is a fair and equitable resolution of all issues. A team of related professionals can be available to work with the family and the attorneys providing coaching in communication, guidance on child issues and practical assistance with financial matters. The parties and the professionals agree not to litigate the dispute or participate in court proceedings. The focus and energy and resources of all involved in the process is on creative problem solving based on a sound legal foundation. This model offers a divorce process which protects the dignity, integrity and long term best interests of all family members.

Three experts will help us understand and appreciate the concept and application of collaborative law:

Don Blythe, CPA, MBA
is an experienced collaborative financial neutral, and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) in practice since 1989. He is committed to helping divorcing couples gather, organize, analyze, tax-effect and graph financial data and to help them reach a durable financial agreement that works for all the parties.

 

Mary Jane Harmless, PhD is a therapist, offering individual, marital and family counseling; to reduce distress, improve functioning and increase life/relationship satisfaction.

 

James Swaney, Jr. served as a prosecutor with the Jackson County Juvenile Court from 1977 through 1986. Since then he has appeared frequently in juvenile matters in that Court, which is now part of the Jackson County Family Court, representing parents and children.

The meeting will include announcements and a fellowship lunch immediately following the business session.

For more information on collaborative law, visit International Association of Collaborative Professionals website.

NEW - photos from the year's events, click here.