Collaborative Law is a way for couples who are separating or divorcing to work together with their advisers to resolve disputes without going to court:-
- You both still have your own lawyers, but by using specially trained Collaborative Solicitors you will meet face to face to work things out rather than conduct negotiations between the lawyers or go to Court
Using Collaborative Law means you make a commitment at the start not go to Court but to try to settle disputes in a non confrontational way:-
- Both sides will sign a document disqualifying their existing lawyers from acting if you do resort to Court proceedings - if that happens you will both have to find new lawyers
How does Collaborative Law work?
- You will meet with us to discuss whether Collaborative Law is right for you
- If it is, we will prepare you for what to expect in the Collaborative meetings - known as the 4 way meetings (because both parties are accompanied by their lawyers)
- We will speak with the other lawyer before the 4 way meeting to plan for it
- At the meeting our role is to provide legal advice and guidance to help you reach agreement with your partner
- It is likely that there will be a series of meetings
- If necessary, other professionals such as pension & financial planning advisors or counsellors might become involved
- There is no set timetable or limit to the number of meetings - the goal is just to reach agreement on how to share your finances or make arrangements for any children
If you reach agreement, documents detailing the terms agreed will be signed and we will talk you through anything that remains to be done to implement them, including obtaining court orders where necessary.
Collaborative Lawyers are specially trained to work towards non-aggressive solutions, enabling you to retain control over decisions about your financial arrangements or in relation to your children. The aim is to reduce costs and the risk of increasing animosity.
Please contact us to discuss how our specialist Family Law Solicitors can help you.
