Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Mears.
Tina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I became licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist ten years ago and started a private practice. Soon after I took on the role of group facilitator for Cooperative Parenting, San Diego, which is a court-approved co-parenting class for parents going through separation and divorce. Not long after, I moved into the director of the program. Becoming a divorce coach with Collaborative Family Law Group of San Diego (CFLGSD) seemed like the next natural step as I had spent a good part of my career helping families co-parent peacefully.
Collaborative Divorce is an exceptional way two people can move through their divorce. We are a group of highly trained professionals, including Family Law Attorneys, Certified Divorce Financial Analysts, Divorce Coaches and Child Specialists. We all have our unique roles, supporting our clients through the legal, financial and emotional issues that are often present when two people part. By keeping the divorce out of the court system, our clients are able to make their own decisions on how to end their marriage and start a new relationship of co-parenting their children.
Has it been a smooth road?
A common obstacle through divorce is for two people to “take sides” and look at each other as an opponent rather than a teammate. This approach of handling divorce has a long history and continues to be present in our culture. CFLGSD is looking to change the way we approach divorce and each other through the process and beyond. Collaborative Divorce strives for unity, compromise and collaboration. We know that when both parents fight the child loses and so we offer a platform for a family-centered process, where the children’s well-being are the highest priority.
Another struggle we find is getting the word out about our services. We are underutilized in the community. Our goal is to make Collaborative mainstream so that we can keep families out of the courtroom and give them an opportunity to maintain their personal decision-making for themselves and their children.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Each professional who chooses to be a part of Collaborate Divorce understands the importance of maintaining the integrity of each client and the family structure. We aim to understand the particular dynamics of the family and find client-driven solutions. We are able to reduce hostility and maintain respect through a supportive environment.
Each client has a Family Law Attorney, who offers legal education and advice while looking to find the fairest resolution. Each client has a Divorce Coach, who helps to manage difficult emotions. aid in communication and contribute to the parenting plan. Each case has a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, who maintains neutrality throughout, prepares financial reports and facilitates meetings.
A Child Specialist is also often included who will meet with the children and give them voice and assist with the parenting plan. This unique structure offers a supportive and inclusive pathway through the difficulties of divorce and results in each family creating their own financial and co-parenting plan for their future.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.collaborativefamilylawsandiego.com
- Phone: (858) 472-4022
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collaborativefamilylawsandiego/
- Other: https://www.meetup.com/preview/San-Diego-Divorce-Options-Meetup
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