The collaborative process is a form of alternative dispute resolution which is used to consider and resolve any issues you may have may whether they are financial issues or problems relating to the children. It involves all parties including your solicitor and ex-partners solicitor signing a non-litigation agreement. The agreement sets all the parties’ commitment to finding solutions to their issues without asking a court to intervene and make decisions.
It encourages couples to keep positive lines of communication open and to focus on the issues that are most important to them. It is designed to progress at a pace which suits them. This is often very different to the court’s approach, in that it is more flexible and often results in an amicable outcome.
Having a solicitor working with you throughout your divorce or separation who is committed to achieving a fair and reasonable outcome for you, your partner and your family can help you emerge from the process with a settlement, as well as a constructive relationship for the future. This can prove invaluable, particularly if you need to consider creative solutions to make the future as good as it can be for you and the rest of the family.
When choosing the collaborative divorce approach
- you and your partner appoint your own collaboratively trained lawyer
- you all sign an agreement that commits you to trying to resolve the issues without going to court and prevents your lawyer from representing you in court if the process breaks down
- you all meet together to work things out face-to-face
If need be, advice and assistance can also be brought into the process from other collaboratively trained professionals such as financial advisers, accountants and family counsellors.
Two of our family lawyers are collaboratively trained and members of the Hertfordshire Family Law Group and other London groups. They are committed to finding a solution that offers you flexibility to find solutions that the court can’t.
All of our family lawyers are members of Resolution and subscribe to the Resolution Code of Practice. This promotes an approach to family law that is sensitive, constructive, cost-effective and most likely to result in an agreement. To discuss how we can help you using the collaborative process, contact us today.