What is Collaborative Law?

Are you looking for a respectful, cost-effective and private way to settle disagreements and financial disputes associated with divorce, separation and/or ongoing child arrangements?

Rather than heading straight for court, why not consider collaborative legal services? It can be faster and more efficient, confidential, less stressful, aims to find a fair and workable solution and will help you to maintain respectful relationships in the future.

How Collaborative Law works

Collaborative law, an alternative to mediation, is a process where couples, who have decided to separate or end their marriage, work together with a team of collaboratively trained professionals – lawyers, independent financial advisers, family consultants, therapists, child specialists or accountants – to achieve a fair settlement that meets the needs of both parties and their children, without the need for court proceedings.

Collaborative law, encourages, honesty, cooperation, transparency and open communication in all discussions and negotiations. It enables both you and your ex-partner to share control, reach a solution that works for you both, whilst at the same time minimising the time, cost, uncertainty, and acrimony that can sometime accompany a litigious divorce or separation.

You both sign an agreement stating that you will not start the court process with your respective collaborative lawyers.

When is Collaborative Law a good option?

Collaborative law can help with complex agreements because it allows for more flexible and creative solutions than a traditional court process. It is also particularly useful for couples with a family business, complex financial settlements – such as those involving pensions, businesses, or other assets where a bespoke agreement is needed and for complicated co-parenting issues, including those involving children with special educational needs.

The Collaborative Law process

1. Find a local collaborative lawyer. Make sure you select someone who is professional, experienced and who you feel comfortable with. You must both instruct lawyers with the necessary collaborative training.

2. You and your ex-partner then meet individually with your respective collaborative lawyer to understand the process and discuss your goals.

3. Both you and your ex-partner and your lawyers meet and (if needed) other professionals, like financial advisors, child specialists, therapists and accountants, can join to provide additional guidance and to support discussions.

4. When an agreement has been reached, lawyers will formalise it into a signed agreement, covering finances, property, child arrangements etc. The agreement will need to be ratified by a court order for it to become legally binding.

We understand that family disputes can be emotional and overwhelming, which is why we work closely with our clients to understand their situation and help them to make informed decisions that are in the best interests of themselves and their families.

Our experienced and sensitive collaborative lawyers provide guidance, support and expertise at every stage of the process. We are committed to helping you to achieve mutually beneficial agreements that can help you and your family to move forwards respectfully and amicably.