Resolve disputes away from the courts with collaborative law

If you are thinking of filing for divorce, collaborate law is an alternative way to resolve issues with your ex-partner, without the need of going to court. To read the many benefits of this approach and how our collaborative law experts can help you, please keep reading.

Traditionally when a relationship breaks down, each party will take legal advice from a family solicitor to resolve the financial aspects of the relationship and/or the arrangements for any children. If they are unable to reach an agreement, then they would need to take the matter to court.

Going to court can be an expensive and lengthy way to resolve matters and can often lead to bitterness between parties. Collaborative Law is a much more holistic process. It allows you and your former partner to sit down in a meeting together, each with your own Collaborative Law solicitor, to discuss the practical implications of your separation, around a table, face to face.

What are the benefits?

• Quicker

The collaborative law process can be much quicker, as it is not reliant on a timeframe imposed by the court. Therefore, any meetings or appointments can be arranged around you and your former partner’s priorities and commitments.

• Cheaper

Collaborative law can be much cheaper than going through the courts as often only a limited number of sessions are required to reach an agreement.

• Gives you more control

Collaborative law allows you to discuss issues face to face and have much more control over the process. It allows you to consider what aspects of your divorce, finances, or child arrangements are most important and how they can be properly dealt with for the best outcome for your family.

• You can work together, not against each other

Collaborative law allows separating spouses to divorce amicably. Effectively, allowing you and your ex-partner to work together to reach the best solution overall.

• You can involve other professionals, as well as your lawyers

In addition to each party having their lawyer, the collaborative law process allows you to involve other professionals such as a financial advisor, family therapist or coach to assist in reaching a settlement.

• Easier communication

Many people prefer the collaborative law process due to the fact that it is face-to-face communication rather than having to be done through solicitors, or correspondence, which can sometimes take away the personal element from matters.

• You and your lawyer are committed to finding a solution

Both parties and their lawyers sign an agreement that commits them to resolving issues through the process and prevents the lawyers from representing parties in court, if the collaborative process breaks down. Meaning both parties and lawyers are all committed to finding a solution through the collaborative process rather than rushing to court which should really be seen as a last resort.

The Collaborative Law process has many benefits and usually allows the relationship between parties to remain much more amicable after separation, which can be hugely beneficial, especially if there are children involved.

At Wolferstans LLP, we have three specialist trained Collaborative Law lawyers, Rebecca Moloney, Vikki Martin and Phil Thorneycroft. The team have undertaken many successful Collaborative Law cases with fellow practitioners, and would be more than happy to discuss the process with you in more detail.

Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can help you by calling 01752 292201.