Membership Requirements

The Charleston Cooperative Family Law Association is a welcoming organization, committed to seeking new membership and expanding the scope of the cooperative law ethos.  Having said that, the organizers have determined that some obligations of membership should be in place to ensure that members are committed to maintaining the CCFLA mission.  Following are some basic membership requirements:

Legal

  • Be a member in good standing of the South Carolina Bar;
  • Within six months of joining, be a certified family court mediator; or have conducted at least twenty-five family court mediations; or have been formally trained in Collaborative Law; or, if none of the foregoing applies, have an identified CCFLA member who has agreed to serve as a mentor for cooperative cases;
  • Within six months of joining (or as soon thereafter as available), have been formally trained in Cooperative Law through the CCFLA;
  • Have spent at least five years practicing law, at least three of which have been primarily in the area of family law;
  • Be sponsored by two current CCFLA members.

Associate

  • Be a member in good standing of at least one professional association directly related to your professional field (mental health or finance);
  • Within six months of joining, be a certified family court mediator; or have conducted at least twenty-five family court mediations; or have been formally trained in Collaborative Law; or, if none of the foregoing applies, have an identified CCFLA member who has agreed to serve as a mentor for cooperative cases;
  • Within six months of joining (or as soon thereafter as available), have been formally trained in Cooperative Law through the CCFLA;
  • Be sponsored by two current CCFLA members.

Are there any costs involved?

Yes, we maintain a website and have other modest administrative costs that are funded by our members.  The initial membership dues for attorneys are $250.00 per year plus an annual renewal fee. The initial membership dues for associates are $100.00 per year plus an annual renewal fee. All membership fees are due at the time membership is accepted and are non-refundable. 

How do I become a member?

Before you begin the membership application, please have your professional bio and photo ready. The application is open to all who meet the eligibility requirements and includes a personal statement about your interest in joining. Please allow enough time to complete the application, there will not be an option to save your progress. If you have any questions about the application, please contact support@chscoopertive.org

Become a Member

Make a Payment

You can pay the $250 membership dues online easily through SwipeSimple or directly with a debit or credit card by clicking on the appropriate button below.

Annual Seminar CLE $150
BREAKFAST $30
ATTORNEY DUES FIRST YEAR $250
ATTORNEY DUES RENEWAL $125
NON ATTORNEY DUES FIRST YEAR $175
NON ATTORNEY DUES RENEWAL $90
SENIOR (65+) MEMBERSHIP FIRST YEAR $65
SENIOR (65+) MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL $40
OTHER

As a lawyer, why should I join the CCFLA?

We are a group of experienced lawyers committed to practicing law with vigorous advocacy, but also, and very importantly, with courtesy and cooperation. This often includes involving other trained and experienced professionals in the areas of finance and mental health as neutrals, to assist us and our clients in the Cooperative Process. We do this because we have seen that this serves our client’s best interests. It takes stress out of their lives, allows them to devote more time to their children and careers, and of course saves them litigation fees and costs. That in and of itself is satisfying to an attorney. But the benefits to practitioners is more direct. How many times has contentious litigation disrupted your office, derailed you from assisting other clients, and caused your stress levels to skyrocket? How many times has the client run out of funds in a contested case, so that you end up at trial, too late to be relieved? The most important element of cooperative law is the benefit it can provide for clients. But there is no denying that it can make for a more positive experience for lawyers as well.
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As a financial expert or counselor/therapist, why should I join the CCFLA?

If you work with clients who are experiencing separation/divorce/child custody battles, you know how destructive Family Court litigation can be. It takes a toll on the mental well-being of your clients, and on you. Being a part of the Cooperative Process as a professional “neutral” allows you to assist couples/families during a stressful time in their lives in a meaningful way that will allow them to move forward with dignity. It is a profoundly helping role that is both valuable to your clients and satisfying to you professionally.