COLLABORATIVE FAMILY LAW

What is Collaborative Law?
An alternative way to resolve family issues without going to court.

How does it work?

You and your partner sign an agreement not go to court and to resolve issues through negotiation. Your lawyers sign the same agreement and advise you throughout the process. You have a series of round table meetings with your lawyer, your partner and their lawyer. At these meeting you discuss the issues that are important to you and your partner, and together reach solutions. You can reach an agreement after 4 meetings if matters are relatively straightforward.

What happens when you reach an agreement?

The agreement is converted into a legally binding document called a Consent Order.

What happens if you cannot reach an agreement?

You or your partner can ask the court to decide some or all of the issues in appropriate circumstances. Remember, you and your partner cannot use the same lawyers: each must appoint new lawyers.

Why use Collaborative Law?

It avoids the costs, stress and acrimony of going to court.
Your lawyers concentrate on problem solving for you and your partner, as they do not have to prepare or position for court proceedings.
You are in charge of the process with your lawyer.
Specialist advice about helping children through divorce, financial issues and counselling can be part of the process if you wish.
It can make it easier to maintain joint friendships and parent your children in the long term.

When not to use Collaborative Law

If you and your partner do not trust each other to provide honest financial information.
If you do not want to be in the same room as your partner.
If you want to use the separation process to teach your partner a lesson, or for revenge.

We have two qualified collaborative lawyers in our team of specialists: Hazel Wright (Partner and Head of Department) and Conrad Adam (Partner). To find out more please contact one of us.