Acknowledging and Respecting Cultural Values
Basic Facts
Ted and Barbara were both successful professionals and the parents of two young children. Ted wanted the divorce. My client, Barbara, did not.
Challenges
Barbara's culture did not accept divorce and any public disclosure of private family matters was shameful to her. To Barbara, Ted’s desire to divorce and have a relationship with the children independent of Barbara, was a challenge to her fitness as a wife and mother. Yet, Barbara and Ted needed to find a way to successfully co-parent two young children for many years.
Solution/Value Added
Rather than starting the legal divorce case immediately, Barbara worked extensively with a divorce coach to help prepare her to effectively participate in the collaborative divorce process. Barbara’s cultural values were respected throughout the collaboration. For example, the court file evidenced Barbara’s opposition to the divorce, and disclosed only minimal family information. By respectfully but zealously advocating for Barbara, I was able to develop a strong attorney client relationship with her and gain her trust and respect. The strength of this relationship allowed Barbara to hear and accept my advice even when it was inconsistent with her stated position.