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.
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Bridget McCandless, MD will offer a special presentation on the
health care needs of minorities and the poor on Thursday, September
30 at 7 pm. The event is sponsored by the Independence Ministerial
Alliance and hosted by Second Baptist Church, 116 East White Oak
Street, Independence, MO 64050. The planning committee for the event
includes Freddye Smith, Alversia Pettigrew, and Josef Walker.