Memphis attorney Vincent Perryman discusses Collaborative Law

Memphis attorney Vincent Perryman is joined by guest Susan A. Hinsley with Butler, Sevier, Hinsley & Reid. Today's show focuses on Collaborative Law in Memphis, which is a new way to approach resolving people's differences other than using a Memphis family lawyer for litigation. This is opposed to traditional litigation in the sense that there is more communication between the parties, and more communication between attorneys. Collaborative Law has been introduced to divorce cases and medical malpractice cases, which has proven to be beneficial to those in litigation. One of the main draw points to Collaborative Law is that both parties agree to settle outside of court. This has helped by keeping cases from having to resort to litigation. Most cases that undergo the Collaborative process are successfully resolved before it gets to that point. Collaborative Law in Memphis has also been able to help those that wish to keep their divorce quiet. By settling outside of court the divorce is kept private, which is a big draw point for those who wish to keep their lives just that. Collaborative Law also shifts the focus from attorneys to clients. Through this shift there is more respect, personal responsibility, and accountability that is achieved. This allows for both parties involved, especially in divorce cases in Memphis, to resolve hurt feelings and develop a sense of closure by being forced to interact through the proceedings.

Memphis attorney Vincent Perryman continues the discussion of Collaborative Law with guest Susan A. Hinsley with Butler, Sevier, Hinsley & Reid. The Memphis Collaborative Alliance is a collection of attorneys that have been trained in Collaborative Law. The Alliance is a resource for finding attorneys, mental health professionals, and financial planners who also work and have been trained in the collaborative process. Clients begin by selecting an attorney from the alliance. After finding an experienced Memphis attorney, clients sign the collaborative agreement. The collaborative agreement is a detailed acknowledgement of what is expected of the attorneys and the clients and all the other outside resources that can be used to help resolve the conflict. Outside resources can include a mental health professional, child specialist, or a financial planner. The goal with outside resources is to include a neutral party to help resolve the case. Whereas each party may have its own individual financial planner, there would be a central financial planner to help coordinate and settle the disputes as well. The process then progresses by having both parties meet at a neutral location, and trying to meet goals set forth for that meeting.

Memphis attorney Vincent Perryman concludes the discussion of Collaborative Law with guest Susan A. Hinsley with Butler, Sevier, Hinsley & Reid. The discussion begins with discussing the possibility of divorce cases that are already in litigation pursuing a recourse of Collaborative Law. While this may not be feasible after a case has been entered into litigation, it is not impossible. Next, the focus shifts on how to start the collaborative process. Susan A. Hinsley recommends visiting the page for the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, where you will find information on Collaborative Law. Or, if you are in Memphis you can visit the page of The Memphis Collaborative Alliance which will list attorneys who have gone through training in Collaborative Law in the Memphis area.