Exercise Six - Tim and Beth: Applying the Principles to an Emotional Dispute

Description

Students will negotiate, in groups, a dispute regarding child custody. This is not to imply in any way that paralegals are allowed to practice in this area. However, the nature of the dispute is one that illustrates the challenges of dealing with highly emotional issues with the added challenge of preserving the relationship of the parties who will need to cooperate with each other for at least the next two decades to fulfill the agreement. It also requires the parties to consider terms that must not only satisfy the present arrangement, but must also anticipate arrangements for when the child reaches later stages in her life.This exercise is put forward as an excellent role-playing negotiations exercise as most people can identify with these issues and as an illustration of a very emotional contest.