I have a tricky situation.
A client to a col law case was arrested and charged with Domestic Violence.
The couple has a parenting agreement as to dates/times and due to some
changes in the schedule, some hot emotions, and some potential drinking when
the client was not supposed to be drinking, the altercation happened. The
parenting plan provides for Plan B if there is drinking. One client says no
drinking occurred and this episode does not trigger Plan B. Do you think
that this arrest terminates the collaborative process per se? Must lawyers
withdraw? The clients are on the fence about whether to withdraw. I think
that the couple has been clear that they don't want to return to the divorce
coach on the case. We've used mediation in the past to reach a parenting
plan. Another option would be to return to mediation to discuss does Plan B
apply. One spouse feels this is ridiculous and a waste of time because
clearly the police report said alcohol was used.
Thank you.
Stefani Quane
206/932-9699
