New Mexico Collaborative Practice Group
COLLABORATION MAKES SENSE
Set a New Direction For Your Future
The New Mexico Collaborative Practice Group (NMCPG) is a nonprofit association of lawyers, financial professionals, and mental health professionals formed in 2001 after recognizing the value of collaborative practice to families. We join together to promote this new and valuable process that constructively resolves family law issues. NMCPG is not a partnership or any other business entity. Each member is an individual practitioner of their own profession.
About Collaborative Divorce
How does it work?
Collaborative divorce replaces courtroom conflict with a respectful, structured process that brings spouses and trained professionals together to resolve all family law issues without going to court.
Why choose collaborative divorce?
Collaborative divorce offers a respectful, cost-conscious alternative to court that reduces conflict, protects children, and helps families build lasting agreements.
Are there other options?
Yes—families can pursue mediation or traditional court-based divorce, though those routes sometimes involve more conflict, cost, or uncertainty.
Resources:
The professionals at NMCPG are here to guide you through the entire process and provide free resources to help you better understand your options.
About Collaborative Divorce
How does it work?
Collaborative divorce replaces courtroom conflict with a respectful, structured process that brings spouses and trained professionals together to resolve all family law issues without going to court.
Why choose collaborative divorce?
Collaborative divorce offers a respectful, cost-conscious alternative to court that reduces conflict, protects children, and helps families build lasting agreements.
Are there other options?
Yes—families can pursue mediation or traditional court-based divorce, though those routes sometimes involve more conflict, cost, or uncertainty.
Resources:
The professionals at NMCPG are here to guide you through the entire process and provide free resources to help you better understand your options.
The History of Collaborative Law
In 1990, a family law attorney named Stu Webb of Minneapolis, Minnesota struggled with the stress and dissatisfaction he felt being part of the traditional family law process. He took a stand and “disarmed,” promising he would no longer fight in court on behalf of divorce clients.
Webb committed himself to helping his clients settle their issues through negotiation, convinced it would avoid the damaging consequences of going to court. If any party chose to go to court, he would withdraw from the case and refer the client to another attorney.
In order to promote freedom for more creative settlements, Webb concluded that a formal written agreement was necessary. Both lawyers and both parties sign the agreement, committing the four to negotiate in good faith, and requiring the lawyers to withdraw from the case if it is to be carried to the courtroom. Webb became the first to call himself a collaborative attorney and others soon followed.
The collaborative movement continues to grow rapidly, spurred by professionals who desire a change in the practice of family law. Numerous collaborative practice groups have formed across the United States, as well as internationally. Collaboration is also occurring in probate and medical malpractice matters.
Board of Directors
Ingrid Roosild, MBA, CRC
PAST PRESIDENT
Morgan E. Honeycutt. Esq.
VICE PRESIDENT
James E. Bristol III
SECRETARY
Rachel E. Biro, CPA
TREASURER
Bobbie S. Batley, Esq.
BOARD MEMBER
Ken Gilman, PhD
BOARD MEMBER
Laura Horton
BOARD MEMBER
Chelsey Pelzman
BOARD MEMBER
Emma L. Whitley, Esq.
BOARD MEMBER
Julie Wittenberger
BOARD MEMBER
Elizabeth Ashton
BOARD MEMBER
Sheila Vaughn
BOARD MEMBER
Brandon Ilgen
BOARD MEMBER
Become a Collaborative Professional
If you are an Attorney, Financial Coach, Mediator, or Mental Health Professional you can apply for membership by downloading a New Mexico Collaborative Practice Group Membership Form.
After completing the form send it to:
NMCPG
P.O. Box 30067
Albuquerque, NM 87190
Please include your membership dues as indicated on the form.
