What: CLI Minnesota Forum 2025
Dates & Times:
Thursday, December 4, 2025
Friday, December 5, 2025
Full Agenda: Is in the works!
Location: Delta Marriott NE | 1330 Industrial Blvd. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Sponsorships are available for the Annual Forum.
CLI Forum 2025 Committee Chair:
Judy Johnson | judith_h_johnson@hotmail.com
If you have questions on registration or sponsorship, please call or email CLI Minnesota Admin Sandy Beeson at 952.405.2010 or cli@collaborativelaw.org
Click here for details and to Register
Dates: Three full-days basic training + Tune-up in September.
Thursday, April 17, 2025 (Happy Hour end of day Thursday scheduled for attendees at location TBD)
Friday, April 18, 2025
Friday, April 25, 2025
Time: 8:30-4:30 (Detailed timing and agenda TBD)
Location: 7650 Edinborough Way, Edina, MN 55435, Training Room
Attendance Fees:
Not a member of CLI MN:
Non-CLI MN members: $595
Student – Not a member of CLI: $150
(Not a member? The NCE registration form will ask you if you would like to join CLI MN, prior to registering for the NCE training. Join CLI MN and attend at the Student member rate!)
Members of CLI MN:
CLI MN members who have NOT taken this training before: $300
CLI MN members who have taken this training but would like a refresher: $150 (Please email cli@collaborativelaw.org for your registration code for this pricing.)
CLI MN Student members: $0.00
CLI MN Emeritus and Annual Partners: $0.00
*Nonmembers will have the opportunity to join CLI prior to registering for the NCE Training.
**Discount Code: If you have a discount code to attend the training, you will enter it prior to checking out.
Continuing Education Credits: Pending approval of 18 Standard credits for: CLE, Board of Psychology, and LMFT. A certificate of attendance for self-filling of other credentials will also be provided.
Cancellation: Refunds for registration will be processed if notice of cancellation is received by April 9, 2025.
Note: If fewer than five registrants sign-up for the training, the training will be cancelled and paid registrants will be refunded. Deadline to register is April 9th.
Description:
Day I: Training on collaborative practice principles and fundamentals, the roles of the professionals on the interdisciplinary team, the paradigm shift, protocols of practice, the road map to resolution, and ethics.
Day II: A demonstration of the collaborative model, one involving a neutral coach/facilitator through performances of 13 vignettes depicting a full-team collaborative case from start to almost finish. The vignettes will give detailed insight into the roles of the neutral coach/facilitator, both attorneys, the neutral child specialist, and the neutral financial professional. The different clients in the vignettes present the team with challenging legal, relational, financial, and parenting issues. The performance will be instructive, practical, and hopefully, inspirational. Day 2 is informative for the experienced collaborative practitioner as well as the new collaborative practitioner.
Day III: Focuses on completing a case, advocacy, and ethics in the Collaborative process, what happens when you hit bumps in the road, talking to clients about this process, connecting with your profession and resources to build your practice.
Educational Level: Advanced
Tune-Up Training: Date in September TBD, 9:00 AM – Noon will be based on a survey of attendees to learn where they feel additional instruction would be most helpful. (This follow-up session may or may not be additional CE credits.)
Training Committee Chairs:
Louise Livesay-Al | louise@livesaylawoffice.com
Rebecca Randen | rebecca@rcglawoffice.com
For questions on registration contact: Sandy Beeson: cli@collaborativlaw.org
Don’t Miss Minnesota’s Biggest and Best Family Law Event!
Schedule:
Date: March 24 & 25, 2025
Location: Saint Paul RiverCentre
CLI MN is a a sponsor and Exhibitor of the 2025 Family Law Institute. Be sure and stop by the CLI booth!
Exclusively for IACP members, this meeting offers a dynamic forum for current and aspiring practice group leaders, as well as anyone passionate about enhancing their group’s experience. We’ll explore key trends in membership, share successes, and discuss the latest developments in the legislative landscape.
Schedule:
Date: February 4, 2025
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM CT
Questions?
Dolores Puppione | info@collaborativepractice.com
IACP Senior Manager of Membership Operations
Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Title: Evaluation Services provided at Metropolitan Rehabilitation Services
Presenter: Dr. Justin M. King, PsyD., LP, CRC, D/ABVE
Metropolitan Rehabilitation Services
info@metrorehab.org | Ph: 612-333-2155 | www.metrorehab.org/
Description of Program:
Metropolitan Rehabilitation Services provides a variety of evaluations to diverse clientele outside of the marital dissolution venue. This presentation will review the evaluation procedure for dissolution referrals and also discuss the variety of services we provide which can intersect with divorce proceedings.
Time:
11:45 AM Attendees begin to login
11:55 AM Announcements and introductions
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Presentation
Cost:
CLI Members and non-members: $25
CLI Student Members, CLI Emeritus Members: $0
CLI Annual Partners: $0
Continuing Education:
1.0 credit PENDING MN CLE
Certificate of attendance for self-filing for MN Psych BOD, LMFT, LICSW & ADR.
Cancellation: Refunds for registration will be processed if notice of cancellation is received by 11/15/24.
Educational Level: Overview
Training Committee Chairs:
Louise Livesay-Al | louise@livesaylawoffice.com
Rebecca Randen | rebecca@rcglawoffice.com
For questions on registration contact: Sandy Beeson: cli@collaborativlaw.org
Consider adding this multi-disciplinary, comprehensive course to your 2025 Professional Development plan. This transformative training is built on the innovative strategies of Parent Team, a company focused on developing resources for professionals to support two-home families.
The Certified Parent Team Expert™ Training will equip both novice and experienced professionals with actionable strategies and tools to navigate high-complexity situations, enhance outcomes and grow your practice.
Schedule:
February – May 2025 (Tuesday and Thursday 11am to 1pm MT)
Recorded Zoom Calls so you can join live or later
Questions? CLICK HERE to be redirected to the Parent Team Expert Training home page.
What is included in the training:
The CLI MN East Metro Group invites you to join their Happy Hour on Thursday June 13 from 4 – 6:30 pm
Emily and Daniel were in love. Their love story had once been the envy of the neighborhood—a whirlwind romance that blossomed into a marriage filled with laughter, shared dreams, and whispered secrets. But as the years went by, cracks appeared in their fairy tale. After years of therapy, divorce was agreed upon as the next step.
At a local coffee shop, Emily consulted with Susan, an attorney who specialized in collaborative divorce, a path less traveled but one that promised healing rather than heartache.
“Emily,” Susan began, “I know this is tough. But have you considered a collaborative divorce?”
Emily sipped her latte, her eyes tracing the steam rising from the cup. “What’s that?”
Susan leaned in, her voice soft. “It’s a different approach. Instead of battling it out in court, we assemble a team—a dream team, if you will.”
Emily raised an eyebrow. “A dream team?”
“Yes,” Susan said. “Picture this: You, Daniel, and your respective attorneys. But that’s not all. We also bring in a neutral facilitator—a wise soul who guides conversations and ensures emotions don’t derail the process. And a financial expert—they’re like wizards with spreadsheets, helping us untangle the financial knots.”
Emily’s curiosity piqued. “And what’s the goal?”
“To find common ground,” Susan replied. “We sit around a table, not a courtroom. We talk, we listen, and we create solutions together. No winners or losers—just a fair resolution.”
Meanwhile, across town, Daniel met with his attorney, Ethan, who had an established divorce litigation practice. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting shadows on the carpet.
“Daniel,” Ethan said, adjusting his tie, “we’re going to court. It’s the way things are done. We serve her, file the papers and start the process of hearings.”
“But what about Emily?” Daniel asked. “We used to love each other. Can’t we find a better way?”
Ethan sighed. “This is how it works with divorce. We’ll request documents, hold depositions as needed, and present evidence. It’s a battle my friend.”
Daniel remembered the nights he’d held Emily as she cried. He wanted closure, not combat. Maybe Susan’s dream team was worth exploring.
Back at the coffee shop, Susan continued her pitch. “Emily, collaborative divorce is cost-effective. No endless court appearances, no billable hours stacking up. Plus, it’s faster.”
“But what if Daniel refuses?” Emily asked.
Susan smiled. “We’ll encourage him. And if he agrees, we’ll craft a customized settlement—one that considers your needs and the kids’ well-being.”
Back in Ethan’s office, Ethan faced Daniel. “We’ll fight for your rights, Daniel.”
Daniel glanced at Ethan’s stern face. He thought of Emily, their shared memories, and the pain they both carried. Maybe there was another way.
Emily and Daniel stood at the crossroads, their hearts heavy with choices.
The Collaborative Path:
The Traditional Path:
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Emily and Daniel made their decision. They chose the dream team—the path of collaboration. And in that choice, they found not just a divorce, but a chance to rewrite their story.
When life hands you a divorce, consider the roads less traveled. Sometimes, the dream team can turn heartbreak into hope.
Disclaimer: The characters and events in this story are fictional. Any resemblance to real persons or situations is purely coincidental.
Note: This story is a creative representation of collaborative and traditional divorce. Seek legal advice from a professional attorney for personalized guidance.
This story was created in part with the use of artificial intelligence and in part by attorney Angela Heart.
Angela Heart | Attorney
Angela is a collaborative family law attorney at Heart Law, LLC. Her mission is to enable and empower divorcing couples to have a smooth transition that is family focused during a life changing event. To find more information about Heart Law go to www.heartlaw.net.
Heart Law, LLC
651-337-1333 | angela@heartlaw.net
www.heartlaw.net
In recent years, how we handle many of life’s pivotal moments, including the sensitive divorce process, has shifted dramatically. The introduction of tools like Zoom into the collaborative divorce process has transformed how meetings are conducted and brought many benefits to clients. Let’s explore how this technological shift has significantly impacted clients through the lens of hypothetical client experiences.
The Time-Saver
Meet Sarah and John, who decided to part ways after a decade of marriage. With demanding careers and a busy family life, finding time for numerous meetings took a lot of work. The adoption of Zoom for their collaborative divorce process was a game-changer. They could attend sessions from the comfort of their home, saving valuable time otherwise spent traveling to and from meetings. This convenience allowed them to approach each session with a clearer mind, focusing on the matters at hand rather than the stress of commuting.
The Comfort of Distance
Then there’s the story of Emma and Alex. Sitting next to each other in a professional office would heighten their emotional stress, making productive communication challenging. Zoom provided a much-needed physical buffer. By attending sessions from separate locations, they found themselves more relaxed and able to communicate effectively. This emotional comfort translated into a more focused approach to resolving their issues.
Access to Specialized Professionals
Consider the case of Mia and Carlos. They had specific needs: Mia wanted a financial expert, while Carlos sought guidance on parenting plans. Previously, they were restricted to professionals in their immediate area. Zoom opened up a state-wide pool of experts. They were able to engage with a financial advisor from the suburbs and a parenting expert from St. Paul, each bringing specialized knowledge to the table.
The Long-Distance Couple
Finally, there’s Rachel and Tom, who were already living in different cities when they decided to divorce. For them, arranging in-person meetings was nearly impossible. Zoom made it feasible for them to engage in the collaborative process without the need for travel. This was particularly beneficial for Tom, who also frequently traveled for work and could join the sessions from anywhere, ensuring continuity in their proceedings.
The Bigger Picture
These stories highlight the flexibility and accessibility that Zoom has brought to the collaborative divorce process. Clients are no longer bound by geographical limitations or the constraints of traditional office hours. The comfort of attending from a familiar environment reduces stress, allowing for more productive discussions. The physical separation provided by virtual meetings can lower emotional intensity, fostering a more amicable environment for negotiation.
Moreover, this shift isn’t just beneficial for the clients. Professionals, too, have found that they can offer their services more broadly, reaching clients they wouldn’t have otherwise. It’s a win-win situation where expertise is now unrestricted by location.
Integrating Zoom meetings into the collaborative divorce process is more than a response to a world increasingly reliant on digital solutions. It’s a thoughtful adaptation to the needs of those going through one of life’s most challenging transitions, offering a sense of control, comfort, and accessibility that was previously hard to achieve with in-person meetings. As technologies continue to improve, it’s exciting to see how our ways of meeting with clients will continue to evolve.
Carl Arnold is an experienced family law attorney and mediator. He currently focuses his practice on Family Law Mediation and Collaborative Divorce. His office is in Northfield, Minnesota and he works with people from all over the state using Zoom. Carl has been a long-time member of the Collaborative Law Institute of Minnesota.
Arnold Law and Mediation LLC
Attorney/Mediator
507-786-9999
carl@arnoldlawmediation.com
www.arnoldlawmediation.com
Topic: CLI New Collaborative Experience Training Tune-up
Date: September 12, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM – 12 Noon
Location: Virtual on Zoom (This is a change from the originally planned in-person location in Edina)
Description: Attendees of the New Collaborative Experience have had some time to think about working Collaborative practice into their businesses. This session is a chance to come back and work on specific needs identified through a survey sent to trainees to help fill the gaps and refresh as needed.
In response to the survey (Click here to start the survey) from participants who attended the NCE we will be discussing:
Fee: $0
CE: None
Materials: Provided to registered attendees in an email
Speakers: Training Committee members based on results of survey
Training Committee Chairs:
Louise Livesay-Al | louise@livesaylawoffice.com
Rebecca Randen | rebecca@randenlaw.com
For questions on registration, contact: Sandy Beeson: cli@collaborativelaw.org
Thank you to our Annual Partner Sponsors for their continuing support of CLI! Click here to learn more about our Supporting Partners