Collaborative Law

When relationships break down sometimes talking things through can seem very hard, especially if you are feeling let down, hurt or angry. But almost always the best solutions are those which you and your partner work out together, those in which you can both share. If you can manage this yourselves, then so much the better, but there are times when you need someone else.

This is when Collaborative Law can help, enabling you to reach solutions together, to work through the difficulties of relationship breakdown and help you resolve problems in the way that is right for the whole family.

In Collaborative Law, you and your former partner, each with your own specialist lawyer, sit down together and sort out the problems face-to-face around the table. Rather than dealing through lawyers you work with them. 

This is a new and innovative way of dealing with family breakdown, and does need a genuine desire on the part of both of you to make it work, but it can and does work.

You and your former partner, together with your specially trained collaborative lawyers, sign an agreement promising to treat each other with respect during the negotiations, to be open and honest about the assets you each own, and that you will reach a solution without going to court. 

All negotiations then take place in 4 way meetings, involving both you and your former partner, and your collaborative lawyers. Having your own lawyer there means that you will benefit from having your own independent legal advisor with you, but you are able to set the pace of the negotiations, and you are not tied to a court timetable. You can set your own agenda and spend more time on the things which matter most to you and your family. This enables you to be more in control of the process, and you are not leaving it to a stranger – a judge, to make decisions for you.

There are many benefits of Collaborative Law, but especially if you have children. You will still remain parents even after divorce. With collaborative law you maintain contact with your former partner throughout the process, so you have the best chance of understanding each other, reaching solutions that are right for you and the rest of the family. It will also help your children to cope better with your separation if they see that you are working things out together.