Page 23 - Family Law Services

Special Master

Special masters are sometimes appointed by the courts to decide specific issues. A special master’s deci-
sion is subject to review by the court if the parties and their attorneys appeal. In the role of a special
master, the CPA is charged with the responsibility of hearing the evidence from both sides and rendering
a decision. The CPA should know the appropriate rules and procedures for holding hearings and render-
ing an opinion in the dispute.

Collaborative Law

Collaborative law, also referred to as collaborative practice (CP) is gaining popularity in the United
States and worldwide. The concept is that the parties agree in advance to settle their differences in a
peaceful, respectful, and cooperative manner outside the court system and specifically agree not to liti-
gate. CP employs the use of a team of professionals that have specific expertise in various areas such as
finance, child specialist, and so on, depending on the circumstances and needs of the divorcing parties.
The CPA expert, called a financial specialist in CP matters, may be engaged to help the parties in the
same way he or she would in a litigated case but on a more personal level with the clients. In this case,
he or she tries to formulate settlement scenarios that meet the goals of the parties to the extent possible
based on financial limitations.

Receiver

The courts appoint CPAs to act in the capacity of receiver or overseer of an asset, such as a family busi-
ness, if it is evident that the asset is being depleted or dissipated. It is important that the CPA under-
stands the legal ramifications of accepting the role as receiver, and the CPA may wish to consult with
legal counsel on procedures to be used to be shielded from third-party liability.

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