PACIFIC SUN ARTICLE ABOUT COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE The weekly Marin County publication, Pacific Sun, in its August 4-10, 2004 issue, published a cover story about Rodney Johnson, a collaborative lawyer in Marin County. Contact the Pacific Sun at 415/383-4500 for a reprint. NORTHBAY BIZ MAGAZINE ARTICLE ABOUT COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE Northbay Biz magazine's October 2004 issue includes a cover story about collaborative practice. A number of Sonoma County collaborative professionals, including Margaret Anderson, participated in interviews for this article. READ THE ARTICLE Proposed Collaborative Local Rule A proposed Sonoma County Superior Court Local Rule supporting collaborative practice is being circulated for comments. See below for the text; if approved as anticipated, it will be effective on January 1, 2005. Sonoma County, California Family Law proposed local rule 9.29 COLLABORATIVE LAW CASES The Sonoma County Superior Court recognizes the unique nature of family law disputes and the fact that family law issues are best resolved by the parties reaching agreement over such critical matters as child custody, support, and property, without engaging in the traditional adversarial litigation process. The Sonoma County Superior Court strongly supports the use of the collaborative law process as well as other alternative dispute resolution tools for the purpose of developing both short-term and long-term workable agreements that meet the best interests of the entire family, particularly the children whose lives will be affected by the resolution. A. Designation No case will be entitled to a designation as a Acollaborative law@ case unless all of the following requirements are met: 1. The parties have signed a collaborative law stipulation and order that provides for a full and candid exchange of information, that advisory counsel shall not subsequently represent either party, and the prohibition for further work on this matter by all experts and other professionals retained for the process, if the use of the collaborative law procedures are terminated. 2. All documents filed in the case are to be submitted by the parties as self- represented parties. Notwithstanding this provision, the attorneys may appear by agreement as counsel of record for the sole purpose of filing a bifurcated judgment regarding status, the final judgment and/or other final documents reflecting the agreement of the parties, upon the entry of which they shall immediately withdraw. 3. No contested matters are presented by motion or order to show cause that require judicial resolution. 4. The term collaborative law case is included in the caption of any document filed with the court from and after the filing of the collaborative law stipulation and order. B. The collaborative law process is by its very nature, a series of intense settlement negotiations, therefore: 1. Other than as may be agreed in the collaborative law stipulation and order, no evidence of anything said or any admission made for the purpose of, in the course of, or pursuant to the collaborative law proceeding is admissible or subject to discovery, and disclosure of the evidence must not be compelled in any non-criminal proceeding. 2. Other than as may be agreed in the collaborative law stipulation and order, no writing, as defined in Evidence Code section 250 that is prepared for the purpose of, in the course of, or pursuant to a collaborative law case is admissible or subject to discovery, and disclosure of the writing must not be compelled in any non-criminal proceeding. This does not include documentary items such as account statements, bank statements, records of title, etc., that reflect on the existence and value of the assets or debts. 3. Other than as agreed in the collaborative law stipulation and order, all communications, negotiations or settlement discussions between participants in the course of a collaborative law proceeding must remain confidential. C. As to any case designated as a collaborative law case, the court will: 1. Consider collaborative counsel to be advisory and not attorneys of record, except as provided in paragraph A.2. of this rule. 2. Refuse to set any hearings, impose discovery deadlines or enter scheduling orders. 3. Give priority in processing of stipulated orders. 4. Waive any requirement for payment of the respondent's first appearance fee with the collaborative law stipulation and order. 5. Provide notice and an opportunity to be heard prior to any dismissal based upon a failure to prosecute or for delay. D. The designation of a case as a collaborative law case is totally voluntary and requires the agreement of all parties. The collaborative law case designation will be removed upon stipulation or filing and service of a termination election as provided in the collaborative law stipulation and order. In the event collaborative law procedures are terminated, any party filing a motion or order to show cause shall include a request for scheduling of a case management conference prior to the hearing of the motion or order to show cause. E. Except as otherwise provided in this rule, collaborative law cases are govered by the Family Code and the California Rules of Court. Margaret L. Anderson, Attorney 829 Sonoma Avenue, Santa Rosa, California 95404 Tel: 707.546.4677   Fax: 707.576.8182   Email: margaret@margaretlanderson.com