How DACP Formed

The Dallas Alliance of Collaborative Family Lawyers was founded in February 2000, and was the first Collaborative Law Practice Group formed in the Texas. Our founding member, John McShane, considered by many of his colleagues to be a visionary, brought this new model to Texas, along with Larry Hance. The original members were among the top family lawyers in Dallas, and they came together to learn, practice, and develop skills and processes to help divorcing individuals avoid the emotional pain and financial cost that was associated with the traditional litigation model. We recognized that the skills of financial and mental health professionals enhanced the quality of the outcome for clients. As a result, in 2006 we expanded out membership to include mental health and financial professionals ("Allied Professionals"), and changed our name to "Dallas Alliance of Collaborative Professionals". We are proud that our Allied Professionals are known throughout Texas and the rest of the country for their collaborative skills. After years of experiencing the destruction fostered by the adversarial process, we are excited to find a way that truly helps clients going through changing relationships.