Collaborative practice inspired me because it’s not about pushing buttons or being nasty. It’s not about seeing how much you can get despite how it affects the other side. Collaboration is about mutual respect and working together to reach an agreement that works best for the entire family. 

Collaborative divorce doesn’t tear people down. It helps them heal and rebuild. During one case, my client could barely sit at the same table with her husband before erupting in a yelling match. After a few meetings, she and her husband reconnected as friends. They realized reconnecting was important for their children. My client was so amazed, she interrupted a session to say, “we haven’t spoken like this for years!” It was such a relief for her to have a respectful, productive conversation with her husband. 

After seeing one successful case after another, I am a true believer in collaborative divorce. People walk away feeling hopeful. They walk away with more peace. With such positive results, I truly believe in a few years, collaboration will be the norm rather than the exception.

Lawyers help make collaborative divorce successful when they remember they aren’t the focus – the clients are. Lawyers must step back and guide. They should let the coaches keep everyone calm. When each member of the collaborative team allows each other to use their skills, the clients discover solutions that work bestfor their lives.

What you should know about Sheera

Sheera is an aggressive litigator known for her detailed preparation and research. Those skills made her a natural team member for Hofheimer/Ferrebee’s criminal defense team. As part of the team, Sherra defends women wrongly accused of a criminal act by their husbands.

Since law school, Sheera remains dedicated to practicing family law. She defends cases including child custody, divorce, appeals and protective orders.