Hello!
I'm wondering if there's anyone from Contra Costa county (California) on the
listserv & if they have any info on how CL/CP is progressing in that county.
I understand that there are new procedures (similar to those in civil
litigation, e.g., trial via declaration, strict disclosure, evidentiary,
waiver & notice requirements, etc.) & that they are very controversial.
(Currently pending case before the Cal. Supreme Court re: whether these
rules comport with due process.)
Is CP accepted as a viable alternative to litigation in this county? Has
there been any acceptance by or discussions with the bench re: Collaborative
practice as a viable alternative? What do people in California think
generally about these court rules? I'm interested in all feedback.
As some of you may know, I've mostly been interested in CP from a civil
perspective. Now that I'm back in California, it appears to me that the
acceptance of CP in family law differs widely from county to county and that
there seem to be a lot of variables involved in whether CP is accepted/a
potentially lucrative practice.
At one recent family law CLE event (in Sacramento), I heard it described as
"well accepted" by the bench and local bar, but I understand that
Collaborative professionals in other counties are still struggling to get
even a few cases. At the same CLE event, I heard about the frustration
family lawyers experience when judges who practiced only in civil law are
transferred to the family docket. As someone who practiced almost
exclusively in civil litigation but trying to transition into a family law
practice, I sort of understand both sides of this debate and wonder if
Collaborative divorce might not be a good common ground solution.
Feel free to contact me off list. (Note: when you hit "reply" your message
goes to the whole listserv, so if you want to contact just me, make sure the
e-mail is addressed to jmfahey@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.)
Jeanne M. Fahey
20547 Wisteria Street
Castro Valley, CA 94546
Phone: 978-621-6625
E-mail: jmfahey@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
