family collaborative law

Collaborative law is an attractive and constructive approach for those who want a negotiated jointly “owned” settlement which minimises the emotional cost of divorce or family breakdown and also avoid the costs and stress of court proceedings and heavy litigation costs.

Perhaps most importantly, the relationship between former spouses or partners may not deteriorate to the extent sadly common amongst those who have faced a court battle. This is of course vital where there are children involved, because parents may need to communicate and cooperate for many years to come.

Still relatively new in the UK , former partners sit down together and, with the help of their collaborative lawyers, work out in a series of meetings, for example how to share financial assets or responsibilities for any children, as they each go their separate ways.

Each party and their Collaborative Lawyer sign a formal agreement confirming that they will reach a solution without going to court. The lawyers involved in the collaborative process are not allowed to represent their clients in any subsequent court proceedings, so that it is in everyone’s interests for a solution to be found by agreement.

Our solicitor Alison Dukes is trained and experienced in collaborative law. She has conducted many cases to a successful conclusion . Alison is always willing. to give further information and guidance on the process.