Family
Collaborative Law
Collaborative practice is a new way for divorcing or separating couples to work together as a team with trained professionals to resolve disputes without going to Court.
Each client has the support, protection and guidance of his or her own lawyer. The lawyers agree that they are there to help clients through the collaborative process. They are not there to take the case to Court and are prevented from doing so.
The collaborative process helps you to: -
- Negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement without using Court to decide issues
- Engage in open communication and information sharing
- Discuss and create solutions that take into account the highest priorities for each of you
How it works
You and your partner each instruct a collaborative lawyer. You all agree to work together as a team to resolve issues without going to Court. There is an open disclosure of all financial information. Experts can be instructed to help as part of the team. There is usually a series of face-to-face meetings with the two of you and your lawyers. You both remain in control of this process and your lawyers are present to provide support, legal advice and guidance. If no settlement can be reached, then you will need to instruct new lawyers to issue Court proceedings.
The advantages of collaborative law?
- You control the process. There is no need to go to Court
- Your children's needs are placed first
- You try and reach agreement through using a problem solving approach
- There is full disclosure of the facts and information
- Face-to-face meetings with lawyers makes negotiations direct and efficient and avoids lengthy exchange of correspondence.
- The process helps you both plan for your future and your family's future
For more information about collaborative law, please contact Frances Place.
Contact: Frances Place