Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative Law allows you to be in control where you and your former partner commit to settling matters without going to court. Rather than dealing through your solicitors, you work with them, to reach the best solutions for you and your family.

How does the process work?

Four-way meetings take place when you and your former partner, and your respective solicitors, sit down together in the same room, face to face, (whether physically or remotely) and reach a mutual agreement, particularly over property and financial issues. Unlike mediation, you each have your own lawyer with you to help talk things through

Sometimes, you might also need advice from other experts, like a family consultant for child-related matters or a financial adviser for things like pensions.  All these professionals will collectively make up your ‘collaborative team.’

Once the essential agreement has been reached the solicitors for the parties will frame this in the terms of an order that can be submitted to the court for approval.

Why do people like this process?

• Lets you and your ex-partner decide on the terms of your agreement, rather than having a court decide for you.
• Means you have legal support without the stress of going to court, which is really helpful if you’re not comfortable negotiating or if your situation is complex.
• Keeps your discussions private, as long as both of you agree not to take your issues to court and sign a document saying so.
• Allows you to get advice from other experts, which isn’t an option in traditional divorce proceedings.
• Lets you control the timeline, not the court.
• Is usually less stressful than going through court.
• Makes you feel more like you’re part of a respectful and fair process, rather than just going through the motions in court.

Collaborative law offers a more respectful, cooperative way to sort out separation issues than going to court. It works best when both parties and their lawyers commit to being open and working together respectfully and fairly.

For further information please contact one of our team today.