Agreeing separation issues amicably
Divorce and separation can be an extremely emotional and traumatic experience. Collaborative law allows separating couples to work together with their respective solicitors to find an amicable solution to the issues that they face when parting ways.
At Nelsons, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal solutions for families facing challenges.
Contact us todayHow we can help
We have one of the largest teams of specialist family law solicitors in the East Midlands, which includes an accredited collaborative law solicitor – Emma Davies – who is based in Nottingham.
Throughout the collaborative law process, we help guide couples through a divorce or separation with sensitivity and care. Our focus is on minimising the emotional impact on all family members while addressing legal and financial considerations. When it comes to matters involving children, we prioritise their best interests. Our collaborative approach ensures open communication, fostering agreements that support the well-being and happiness of your children.
Another form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) we recommend during divorce proceedings is mediation and within our team, we have an accredited mediator – Gayle Rowley.
Our team provide specialist legal advice to a variety of clients, including high-net-worth persons with complex business and personal assets to families and stay-at-home parents, across the region, nationally and abroad.
Should you attempt either collaborative law or mediation and it proves to be unsuccessful then your divorce case may require Court action. In such cases, our solicitors can support you throughout the proceedings.
Please note that we can only advise on a Legal Aid basis for public law/care proceedings.
Why choose Nelsons?
- Empathy and understanding – Our team approach each case with empathy and a deep understanding of the emotional challenges families face.
Child-centred approach – We prioritise the best interests of children, creating solutions that support their emotional and physical well-being.- Proven success – Benefit from our track record of successful and amicable resolutions in family law matters.
- Recognised expertise – The team is ranked in Tier One by the independently researched publication, The Legal 500, and also includes Resolution Accredited Specialists, Law Society Family Panel & Advanced Family Panel members and Law Society Children Panel Members.
Testimonials…
Find out more about our collaborative law services
For further information on the collaborative law process or to discuss how our specialist team of family law solicitors in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham can help you with your divorce, please call 0800 024 1976 or contact us via our online enquiry form.
Collaborative law FAQs
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What is collaborative law?
Collaborative law is an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) method that enables the key aspects of divorce, including arrangements regarding children and finances, to be discussed at face-to-face meetings calmly and constructively. Each party has the support of their individual accredited collaborative law solicitor and there should be no need to go to Court.
The collaborative law process is not suitable for all separating couples. It requires both parties to take a constructive and respectful approach to all aspects of their separation.
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How does collaborative law differ from traditional legal proceedings?
Unlike traditional litigation, collaborative law promotes open communication and cooperation between the parties. It avoids the adversarial Court process, focusing on finding solutions that are mutually beneficial and considerate of the family’s well-being.
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How does the collaborative process work?
The collaborative law divorce process involves the following:
- Each party discusses with their respective solicitors independently, their goals and objectives in respect of divorce.
- Each collaborative law solicitor builds a firm relationship with the client and the other party’s solicitor to enable focused and productive discussions at face-to-face meetings.
- The signing of a Participation Agreement shows the parties and their representatives’ commitment to the collaborative process.
- Information gathering with the emphasis on the parties taking the lead in sharing information, including a full and frank disclosure of their financial circumstances.
- Consideration of whether other collaboratively trained professionals would be helpful, including family consultants, financial advisers and/or accountants.
- Once an agreement between the divorcing parties has been reached, the collaborative solicitors will prepare a document setting out the agreement which can be submitted to the Court and endorsed as a legally binding Court order.
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What are the benefits of using collaborative law?
Collaborative law offers several advantages, including:
- Reduced conflict and stress
- Faster resolution compared to traditional litigation
- Cost-effectiveness
- Preservation of relationships, especially important in family matters
- Customised solutions tailored to the unique needs of the family
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How long does the collaborative process take?
The timeline for collaborative law varies depending on the complexity of the issues and the parties’ ability to reach agreements. Generally, it tends to be quicker than traditional litigation, with many cases resolved in a few months.