» Member Meeting

Necessary and Difficult Conversations: “If Only My Client and My Team Had Understood This from the Start” – Conversations That Can Pave the Way Forward Presented by: Jen Bradley, Esq., Lisa Herrick, PhD, and Steve Weisbaum, Esq. Wednesday, May 13, 2026 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Google | Outlook | Office365 | Yahoo Maggiano’s – Chevy Chase In any Collaborative process, we navigate through notably challenging moments when we wish we had done more preparation with our clients and our team at the outset that might have eased our way through this particular difficulty. “Why is my client surprised that Collaborative doesn’t mean warm and fuzzy? Did we say it would all be easy?” “Why doesn’t my client realize that arguing about the protocols makes everything slower and more costly?” “How is it that my client is angry that compromises are required- by BOTH sides- not just the OTHER side? Wasn’t that obvious?” “Why does my collaborative counsel champion their client’s narrative or positions, or substitute their own judgment for that of their client?” “Why does my collaborative counsel default to the law as the primary/ultimate reference point?” “How can the team address these problems as a group when they arise, and how can professionals identify and address these issues in ourselves?” “How do I give my client and my colleagues this difficult feedback, and how do I receive this difficult feedback, while ensuring they still feel I am on their side, our team still feels like a team, and our collaborative container still feels like a safe place? I wish I had gotten their permission to give them feedback as needed!” These are just some examples of the kinds of moments when we might wish we had had certain conversations with our clients and our team early on. This program will focus on what sorts of necessary conversations might facilitate our work when we hit snags later – whether we are attorneys, coaches or financial neutrals. We will also discuss how, when and with whom we can have these necessary conversations, and how teammates of different disciplines can support one another in helping our shared clients feel as well prepared for the process as possible. Read More

Managing Client Expectations About the Collaborative Process Presented by: Sue Soler, LCSW, Abbie Frishman, CFP®, CDFA®, and Jennifer Bradley, JD Wednesday, September 9, 2026 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Maggiano’s – Chevy Chase As we all know, clients often enter the Collaborative Process with expectations, assumptions, or goals that don’t align with how the process actually works. Most don’t have a solid understanding of the structure of the process, the role of the professional team, the level of participation required, and the flexibility required to reach a resolution. In an effort to ensure clients have more information about what to expect, we have developed a handout as a tool to help us as professionals have these conversations early and consistently with clients. It provides a framework for discussing what the Collaborative Process is, what clients can realistically expect, and the behaviors and commitments that tend to support a successful outcome. During this presentation, we will review the handout, discuss when and how it can be used with clients, and share ideas for incorporating it into the Collaborative process. We will encourage attendees to actively participate in the discussion by sharing their experiences, challenges, and suggestions for how we can all use this tool within our cases. Read More

Stay tuned for more information to come! Wednesday, November 18, 2026 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM Zoom Please note: This meeting will be conducted by Zoom. Please contact the DCACP Adminstrator at DCACP.office@gmail.com for more meeting information. Kindly submit an RSVP below to record your attendance. Read More

Stay tuned for more information to come! Wednesday, January 13, 2027 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM Zoom Please note: This meeting will be conducted by Zoom. Please contact the DCACP Adminstrator at DCACP.office@gmail.com for more meeting information. Kindly submit an RSVP below to record your attendance. Read More

Continue the Magic: Catch Up (if you missed it) and Cement the Learning (if you made it) following the 2025 Mid Atlantic Collaborative Professionals Forum Wednesday, May 14, 2025 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM Zoom This presentation will be a fun and interactive program focusing on new ideas for how we can support each other in teams, feel less vulnerable when our client is a “problem”, and always, always, “have each other’s backs.” Missed the Forum? No worries – this program will demo and discuss some of what you missed, and for those who attended the Forum, will give you a chance to go deeper, and think about applying the learning to our work. Please note: This meeting will be conducted by Zoom. Please contact the DCACP Adminstrator at DCACP.office@gmail.com for more meeting information. Kindly submit an RSVP below to record your attendance. Read More

Stay tuned for more information to come! Wednesday, February 10, 2027 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM Zoom Please note: This meeting will be conducted by Zoom. Please contact the DCACP Adminstrator at DCACP.office@gmail.com for more meeting information. Kindly submit an RSVP below to record your attendance. Read More

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (DV), INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV), and the COLLABORATIVE PROCESS: APPLYING THEORY TO PRACTICE Part 2 of 2 Presented by: Randy Heller, PhD, Robert Merlin, Esq., and Christen Ritchey, Esq. Wednesday, March 12, 2025 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM Zoom The literature on domestic violence (DV) and the Collaborative Divorce Process highlights the significant challenges and concerns that have historically been present when the two intersect. Some identified concerns include and are not limited to power imbalances, safety concerns, ethical and legal issues, and the overall effectiveness versus the potential risks. Overall, the literature suggests that Collaborative Divorce is not recommended for DV cases unless specific safeguards are in place, such as highly trained professionals working as a team, with a robust safety plan in place. This presentation aims to demonstrate how a Collaborative team could effectively work to help a family in these circumstances. Our Collaborative Team will describe, exemplify, and explain our step by step, highly strategic process for potentially doing this work, as we emphasize the legal, ethical, and overall relational considerations and cautions. Please note: This meeting will be conducted by Zoom. Please contact the DCACP Adminstrator at DCACP.office@gmail.com for more meeting information. Kindly submit an RSVP below to record your attendance. Read More

Understanding Intimate Partner Violence: Dynamics, Identification, and Intervention for Collaborative Divorce Professionals Part 1 of 2 Guest Speaker: Michelle Dodge, DSW, JD Facilitated by: Natalie Goldberg, LCSW and Barb Burr, JD Wednesday, February 12, 2025 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM Zoom This two-part program is designed to equip Collaborative Divorce professionals with the knowledge and tools to recognize, understand, and address intimate partner violence (IPV) and related issues of coercive control and power dynamics within the context of separation and divorce and in particular, within the context of the Collaborative Process. The presentations will explore the dynamics of power and control that underpin IPV, learn to identify signs of abuse beyond physical violence, and gain insights into the emotional, psychological, and financial impacts on clients. The session will also provide practical strategies for identifying IPV, including screening tools and assessment checklists, and concrete protocols for addressing IPV in ways that prioritize safety, support all members of the family, and maintain the integrity and principals of the Collaborative Process. Please note: This meeting will be conducted by Zoom. Please contact the DCACP Adminstrator at DCACP.office@gmail.com for more meeting information. Kindly submit an RSVP below to record your attendance. Read More