Collaboration Between Attorneys, Therapists, Coaches when there is a Shared Client.

AFCC-MN Lunch & Learn: Collaboration in Complex Family Court Cases

What?  Family law attorneys routinely work with non-legal professionals—including parent coaches, therapists, parenting consultants, and other child-focused providers—to address needs that extend beyond the attorney’s role and expertise. Effective collaboration connects clients with the right professional support while maintaining clear boundaries and avoiding duplicated or conflicting services.

When these roles, responsibilities, boundaries, and communication are not clear, however, collaboration can create unexpected challenges:

• Attorneys may be unsure when additional support is needed, which professional is the best fit, or what information can/should be shared.

• Professionals may have different goals, obligations, and approaches.

• Unclear roles can lead to duplicated services, conflicting guidance, or professionals working outside their areas of expertise.

On September 18, 2026, join AFCC-MN for a Lunch & Learn featuring an attorney and two experienced coaches who will discuss the do’s and don’ts of professional collaboration in complex family court cases.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this 75-minute presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Assess a client’s support needs and determine when additional professional support may be beneficial in a family law matter.

2. Identify the appropriate professional resource—attorney, therapist, coach, or other provider—based on the client’s needs.

3. Differentiate the roles, responsibilities, and boundaries of attorneys, therapists, and coaches.

4. Apply “one head, one hat” principles to maintain appropriate professional boundaries, avoid role confusion, and reduce the risk of professionals working outside their scope.

5. Identify effective and ineffective approaches to professional collaboration, between attorneys and therapists/ADR providers/coaches in family law cases.

6. Use practical strategies to manage collaborations that have gone wrong – and get them back on track.

Who?  Designed for attorneys and professionals who work within the MN family law arena.

When? September 18, 2026, 12:00pm to 1:15pm

Where? Online – join from the comfort of your home office

Speakers:

Allie Michelson, Lori Thibideau, Kent Kodalen