The Collaborative Divorce process is an alternative to litigation for separating or divorcing couples. With the help of individual coaches, couples agree to make decisions in a non-adversarial manner. The process emphasizes mutual respect and focuses on the needs of the children. Dr. Leiman can serve in either of the mental health roles in the collaborative process - Collaborative Divorce Coach or Collaborative Child Specialist.
As a Collaborative Divorce Coach, Dr. Leiman works as a member of the Collaborative team, which includes attorneys for both parties, a neutral financial specialist and, when appropriate, a child specialist. She helps clients to identify and express their interests and concerns in constructive ways. A critical role of the coach may involve helping the couple to create an enduring co-parenting plan that is acceptable to both parents.
When in the role of a Collaborative Child Specialist, Dr. Leiman serves as the “voice of the child(ren).” She meets with the child(ren) and reports on the child(ren)’s needs, feelings and adjustment. This information is then shared with parents and coaches as they develop a parenting plan. Dr. Leiman helps the team and parents in understanding the concerns of the child(ren) and provides information to aid in the development of an effective co-parenting plan.