The lawyers' role in the dialogue process

The lawyer’s role is different from ordinary proceedings.
You do not:
• present submissions
• present evidence
• examine witnesses

Instead, you contribute as support for your client, with a focus on reflection, guidance, and understanding of the process.

Support and guidance
• help clarify the client’s interests and needs
• assist the client in understanding the consequences of different choices
• provide steady support during clarifications, both during breaks and in the final phase

Professional assistance
• ask questions that clarify or elaborate on the client’s perspective
• clarify the client’s different options for an agreement

The Tribunal Chair invites to planning meetings, where you discuss, among other things:
• the child’s participation
• practical arrangements for the dialogue meeting
• who will attend
• the need for information before or during the meeting

This contributes to a better and safer process for all parties.

• you participate as a support person
• you may request breaks when needed
• you lead the working breaks and provide advice to your client
• you participate more actively in clarifications in the final phase and when an agreement is being reached

You must ensure that your client understands:
• that the process is voluntary
• that consent can be withdrawn at any time
• that the tribunal does not have a decision making role in the dialogue meeting
• that temporary arrangements may be agreed along the way if they are in the child’s best interests
 

Fees are based on:
• an hourly rate according to the actual time spent
• a description of the work performed and a detailed timesheet submitted to the tribunal after each meeting