What is collaborative law?
Collaborative law offers separating couples the opportunity to discuss and resolve their financial and child arrangements round-table in a non-confrontational way. Lawyers offer constructive advice and explore options with clients, to help them reach an optimal outcome in their case. Advice is given openly, so each party hears the advice the other is getting.
The big advantage is that we commit to avoiding Court at the outset, which frees up the couple and their lawyers to negotiate openly and in good faith. Meetings are held in a private and confidential setting, arranged at a time and place to suit you.
At the end of a financial case, lawyers draft the Order and it is submitted to Court by agreement between the parties. You can also discuss your divorce, children issues and negotiate prenuptial contracts using the collaborative process.
What are the benefits of collaborative law?
Clients often find using the collaborative process reduces the stress of going through separation. They get their questions answered face to face with on-hand legal advice. Professional advice from financial advisers and therapeutic consultants is offered to help clients achieve a beneficial outcome. Lawyers work together to manage the process, rather than engaging in adversarial litigation. This keeps costs much lower than litigation costs. We also minimise the sending of letters and emails to keep costs down.
We will discuss this and other options with you where appropriate, having reviewed your situation.
You may also find our blog article, 'What is Collaborative Law? The Benefits Explained' helpful.
What are the alternatives to collaborative law?
We offer several other alternatives to court litigation, including mediation, arbitration and early neutral evaluation, providing you the opportuity to deal with matters without the need to attend court. We are also experienced in using other methods to resolve disputes, such as round table meetings and private financial dispute resolution hearings (FDRs). All of our solicitors are members of Resolution and committed to its ethos of adopting a constructive approach to resolving family disputes.
Our Family Law team features several collaborative lawyers so please get in touch if you would like to find out more.
