Collaborative Law

couple signing documents with solicitor present

Collaborative Law is a more modern approach to dealing with Familial issues in a way that tries to limit any arguments and ensure that both parties can come to an agreement they are happy with regarding either finances, or the care of their children.

The idea behind collaborative law is that both parties, and their representative lawyers can all be in a room together as well as any other independent experts that may be needed such as a financial adviser, family consultant or child specialist.

The professionals would all be there to help both parties to ensure that a fair outcome is reached for both parties and any children that may be involved in the dispute.

An agreement is usually signed before any collaborative law processes are undertaken by both parties as well as the professionals that commit all involved to trying to resolve the issues before going to court and many of these arrangements will prevent any of the professionals involved from being able to represent either party in court if an agreement is not reached. This is designed to ensure that all parties are focused on trying to find a solution that does not involve the courts.

Before any meeting between the parties and the professionals, the professionals involved would communicate in order to plan the first meeting. Both parties will be given time to speak in these meetings and to make clear what it is that they believe are their needs and what they would like to achieve out of the collaborative process.

Along with the professionals, the parties will then talk through and aim to reach an agreement on how assets are divided or how care of any children is structured. The professionals are there to ensure that no party including any children involved, are treated unfairly or left in a position where one party has unfairly benefitted more than the other. The welfare of any Children involved will still be seen as the first priority and any child specialist present will be able to advocate within the meetings on behalf of the children to ensure they are made safe in any agreement.

Our team are experienced in working with other practitioners in order to help parties achieve the best outcomes from this collaborative process and would be willing and ready to help you should you choose to take this more modern approach to familial matters.