Collaborative Law

Our specialist collaborative law solicitors work from our offices in Dorset and Wiltshire and can help you deal with family disputes in a more cost effective way.

Collaborative law, which is an alternative to mediation, is another means for a divorcing couple to resolve disputes without having to go to court. It’s based on a series of round table discussions with you, your former partner/spouse, and your respective attorneys.

Why should I choose collaborative family law?

• Collaborative family law is a relatively new process for dealing with family disputes. This is a process where there are two collaborative lawyers per separating couple so that each partner has their own independent lawyer to advise and support them through the process. There are four-way meetings involving lawyers and separating couples. Each collaborative lawyer is advising his or her specific client and the overall focus is on achieving amicable consensus.
• The process involves commitment from the parties and lawyers to achieving a settlement agreement through constructive discussion. Negotiation takes place at four-way meetings involving lawyers and clients.
• The collaborative law process allows you to reach a settlement that is right for you and your family rather than having one imposed on you by the court. The process moves forward at a speed chosen by the separating couple, not at any speed dictated by any outside agency, such as the court. Where necessary, financial advisers and other experts can be brought into the process to assist where all parties agree that this will be helpful.

What are the advantages of collaborative law over other processes?

• Control. The entire process remains within the control of you and your separating partner and you determine the settlement rather than having it imposed upon you by a court.
• Less paperwork, more communication. The collaborative law process involves direct face to face meetings rather than matters being dealt with through correspondence and this goes a long way to building understanding.
• “Off the wall outcomes”. As an agreement is being reached by you and your separating partner rather than being imposed upon you, it leaves available options for more creative outcomes that could not be imposed but can be agreed. This is often a benefit for separating couples.
• Costs. A collaborative process can often be a cheaper, more expedient way of achieving a settlement than a costly lengthy court process.
• Quicker. The collaborative process can be quicker than the court process and therefore less stressful.

If you would like to discuss how collaborative law can help your situation, please contact us.