What is Collaborative Law?

Collaborative law is a new approach to resolving relationship breakdowns. It puts you and your partner/spouse in charge of the process rather than solicitors and courts. All negotiations are conducted in 4 way face to face meetings with a view to achieving a fair settlement and not one that is imposed upon you.

How does it work?

You and your spouse/partner agree to provide information in an open and honest way. Throughout the process you both have your own solicitor to provide you with legal support and guidance, but those solicitors commit to working in a non-confrontational way. Both the collaborative lawyers will also consider with you and your spouse/partner whether to involve other professionals such as financial experts or family counselors.

What are the benefits?

The collaborative process means the client is in control. It is more dignified and achieves a speedier resolution. A team based approach means that the focus can be on the children and maintaining and improving communications between you and your spouse/partner. Throughout the process you and your spouse/partner set the agenda and control the timetable until agreement can be reached without resorting to expensive and emotionally damaging litigation.

Starting the collaborative process

The starting point is to ensure that both you and your spouse/partner are committed to the collaborative process.  

If this commitment exists then the next step is for you both to instruct  separate solicitors trained in this area of law to represent your  respective interests. 
 
If this new approach to relationship break downs appeals to you then Foreman Laws' Kathy Scoot has the necessary specialist colloborative law training to help.  To speak with Kathy on how the colloborative process could work  for you please either

• call us on 01462 458711; or
• email Kathy direct on kathy.scoot@foremanlaws.co.uk.

For details on other collaborative lawyers who can represent your partners/ spouse's interests please click on the following link www.collabfamilylaw.org.uk