Dr. Ribnick was drawn to the collaborative divorce model because she believes in promoting and facilitating constructive interpersonal interactions.
Individuals can be considerate, if not kind, even when it is clear that the marital relationship needs to end. When children are involved, it is even more important to foster a respectful rapport between the parents.
By design, the collaborative model helps the divorcing parties to discuss what is important to each of them, including identifying how they wish for the divorce process to proceed.
Beyond the customary tasks of identifying and dividing up property and assets, other important areas are addressed such as how to interact with extended (ex) family, how to interact when at the same events, when and how to communicate regarding co-parenting decisions and how to interact during future milestone occasions (e.g., celebrations such as graduation and weddings, the birth of grandchildren and how to deal with calamities such as a family illness).
An additional draw of the collaborative model for Dr. Ribnick is being part of a team of professionals who value helping the divorcing couple achieve resolution. This is different than the traditional (litigation-based) legal model which has more of a win–lose orientation and accordingly, may fuel animosity between the parties.
The collaborative approach is less likely to create damage during the divorce process and may, much to the surprise of the divorcing couple, improve their rapport in the years ahead.
Dr. Deborah Ribnick is a licensed psychologist who has had a clinical and forensic practice since 1996. She currently provides psychotherapy services to adolescents, adults, couples and families. She also provides collaborative divorce and divorce mediation services, child custody consultation and parent coordination services following separation or divorce in Nevada.
If you have questions about how to file for divorce in Nevada, divorce cost or need to find a divorce attorney in Reno, Nevada Collaborative Divorce Professionals can help make the process easier. To connect with Dr. Ribnick, visit her profile here.
The process of selling a family home under the best of circumstances can be a highly charged situation. Now add to this process divorce and consider the emotions at play if any of the following are involved: children, a court order to sell the home, one or both participants involved wish to retain the home or if there’s uncertainty as to where parties will relocate following the divorce.
The question in the minds of those involved is often, where do I begin and how will I ever get through this?
As an educated, trained and experienced realtor and mediator, Liz Gonzalez understands the importance of breaking down the process of selling a home and communicating that to all involved in the process.
This is done by working with the participants to complete the following steps:
1) Identify specific goals, so all are clear in what the parties are working to achieve,
2) Create a list of priorities from the perspective of each participant which assists all in remaining focused on important issues,
3) Establish a clear plan to the end goal by breaking the process into parts and focusing on the completion of each part. This helps to avoid the overwhelming feeling of the big picture, especially divorce cost,
4) Lastly, communicating to the participants that challenges will arise but everyone will work through them as they occur.
To effectively move through this process agreement or acceptance from all parties at each step is key. This can be accomplished through clear and concise communication.
Liz helps participants through the process by keeping the following in mind: if the emotions of participants remain in check, they will experience more control of the process and the ability to achieve their desired outcome. There is comfort in clarity, and the participants need to understand what is taking place through each phase of the process and the importance of each phase in achieving the end goal.
The need for participants to be heard/validated is a key component. Liz’s goal is to reach the end goal which was established at the onset. In reaching that goal, the parties need to see and feel their views or opinions have been heard.
Liz’s experience is that acceptance and closure often result not from complete agreement, but from participants understanding how to file for divorce in Nevada and the ‘whys’ of the process of divorce mediation.
Liz Gonzalez is a member of the Reno/Sparks Association of Realtors and has extensive experience in real estate, negotiation, sales, marketing and design. She is a certified mediator and places honesty and integrity cornerstone in all her dealings with divorce in Nevada.
Get in touch with her at Nevada Collaborative Divorce Professionals here.