Lately we have been holding discussions on the role of the Practice Group in the Collaborative Process.  In states where the Collaborative community has formed a statewide organization, we have been asking what the role the statewide group serves.  So I asked ChatGPT what the role of the Practice Group is……

In the Collaborative Divorce process, a practice group plays an essential role in supporting and maintaining the integrity, quality, and effectiveness of the collaborative model. Here’s a breakdown of its role and functions:

The practice group is typically made up of collaborative professionals — attorneys, financial specialists, and mental health or communication coaches — who:

• Share a commitment to the principles of Collaborative Practice (transparency, respect, and out-of-court resolution).
• Work together to establish and maintain professional standards, ethics, and best practices.
• Provide peer accountability, ensuring members adhere to collaborative protocols and maintain competence in the model.

Practice groups organize:

• Continuing education programs on negotiation, communication, interdisciplinary teamwork, and conflict resolution.
• Skill development workshops and case debriefings, where members learn from real experiences.
• Mentoring and orientation for new practitioners entering the collaborative field.

This ensures consistent quality and professional growth within the collaborative community.

Practice groups facilitate:

• Networking among collaborative professionals, helping form effective interdisciplinary teams for clients.
• Referrals and case matching, ensuring clients find professionals who understand and embrace the process.
• Consultation and peer support, giving practitioners a place to discuss challenges and maintain the collaborative spirit during difficult cases.

Many practice groups engage in community outreach to:

• Educate the public about the benefits of Collaborative Divorce as an alternative to litigation.
• Offer information sessions, presentations, and materials to help families make informed choices.
• Promote the collaborative process to judges, mediators, and other legal professionals.

Practice groups often take responsibility for:

• Monitoring adherence to collaborative principles.
• Innovating and refining processes as the field evolves.
• Maintaining cohesion among local practitioners, which helps ensure consistency for clients and courts.

In summary:
A Collaborative Divorce practice group serves as the backbone of the local collaborative community — providing education, professional support, quality control, and public outreach to strengthen the integrity and sustainability of the process.

So the question is, where does a statewide organization fit into this picture?  What of these roles should the statewide group try to fulfill.  We will try to answer that question in next week’s blog.  In the meantime, if you live in a state with a statewide group, I would love to hear from you.  What is the function of your statewide group?