Working Together in Collaboration: An Attorney’s View on Supporting Clients Through Parenting Plan Challenges

I had just picked up the phone when I heard the familiar tension in my client’s voice. They had just left a session with the family coach, the mental health professional who supports parents through the emotional and communication challenges of building a parenting plan during the collaborative divorce process.

This wasn’t our first check-in after a coaching session. Typically, with the mental health coach the client meets with the coach at times it can be alone but most of the time it is with the co-parent.  Every so often the client will reach out to me to talk through how things are unfolding, especially when emotions run high or difficult decisions are on the table that involve parenting.

That day, my client was feeling a mix of hope, frustration, and uncertainty. Some pieces of the proposed parenting plan made sense to them. Others stirred discomfort. They weren’t sure how to interpret the coach’s suggestions, and they needed to vent a little. This is a time where I can get them grounded in the legal side of things. I help connect the dots between what’s being explored in coaching and how it will eventually take shape in the written settlement agreement. I help them reality-test, express concerns clearly, and prepare for the next step: whether that can be raised at a professional only or team meeting. Most of the time the client just needs to have a quiet night of reflection.

That’s the power of the collaborative process. Each professional brings their own lane of support. The coach helps parents communicate and use tools to understand each other. I make sure their legal rights are protected and their concerns are heard. Together, we help clients move forward thoughtfully, not reactively.

One of the core strengths of the collaborative law process is transparency. Unlike traditional litigation, where information can be withheld to gain leverage, collaboration requires honesty so we can solve problems effectively as a team.

If you share concerns with me, such as feeling emotionally overwhelmed, struggling to communicate with your co-parent, worrying about safety, or facing scheduling barriers, I generally will bring these issues to the team with your permission.

This ensures that:

• The process remains safe for everyone involved.
  
• The team can adjust strategy, whether that means adding a joint coaching session, slowing the pace of meetings, or revisiting a parenting plan structure.
  
• The parenting plan stays realistic and child-centered, rather than aspirational but unworkable.
  
• No one is working in the dark, which is essential for out-of-court solutions.

Transparency prevents misunderstandings and protects the integrity of the collaborative divorce team. When everyone has access to the same information, your parenting plan becomes stronger, safer, and more aligned with your child’s best interests.

Every parenting plan will have moments that challenge you. That does not mean the collaborative process is failing, it means you are doing the hard, important work of setting up a healthy future for your child. 

With open communication, honesty, emotional awareness, and guidance from a skilled collaborative divorce team, you can create a plan that truly supports your long-term goals and your child’s well-being. Together, we help clients move forward thoughtfully, not reactively. 

If you need a collaborative divorce family law attorney in Rockville, MD Schedule a consultation with us today!