What is Collaborative Law? Divorce with dignity.
Collaborative Law is based on the premise that effective communication provides a more favourable and less confrontational approach to divorce.
It allows the separating couple to express their expectations, objectives and concerns, setting the tone for a more amicable process where they both understand each other and are committed to resolving their differences outside of court.
No one knows what you want from divorce better than you and your ex-partner do. We believe that if you are to live with the consequences of your legal separation, it should be you that determines the agenda of your divorce proceedings and at what pace the process moves along. What better way than to collaborate rather than fight for a desirable outcome?
Collaborative Law requires solicitors who are specifically trained for these proceedings. It is a face-to-face approach to divorce that we believe brings the couple’s needs to the forefront of the legal process.
Your divorce will focus on your needs and desired outcomes and you will work together to achieve what you both want.
Everything is open and transparent and, initially, you will discuss what both of you deem as the most important outcome for you as individuals. The collaborative meetings allow you to take more control of your divorce and you are much less likely to get swept up in the momentum of disagreement and demands, consequently making it less likely for you to make decisions that you later regret.
Your lawyer’s role is to assist and guide you through the process, providing legal advice where it is needed and keeping you focused on your main objectives. They will oversee the process and keep your feet on the ground so there are no unrealistic expectations but you’re made fully aware of what you’re entitled to.
No court case, no pressure.
There is no timeline for the overall process, however, the average proceedings consist of about three or four meetings organised in a way that fits around your timetable. You don’t just set the agenda, you set the pace and the frequency of your meetings. With no court date looming over your head, you are free to think about what you are ready to discuss rather than feeling under pressure to do what is demanded of you.
As we have explained on our Collaborative Law Page, we encourage people to use the collaborative process where possible. We believe that it provides the appropriate framework for a resolution that looks forward to your future from the start, rather than reacting to the often misconstrued and impersonal process of written communication.
Sometimes you make decisions in life that don’t turn out the way you had hoped or the way you had expected. Collaborative law can provide you with the fresh start that you both need in order to walk away from your marriage knowing that the terms set, were done so by you.
You have to live your lives following the outcome of your divorce. It makes no sense that a stranger should have the final say. This is also true for unmarried couples and, even more so, when the separation involves children.
Next month we would like to discuss why the way in which you conduct your divorce can determine how your children are affected and what you can do to help minimise the damaging effects that it can have for the future of your family following separation.
If you would like to enquire about Collaborative Law or anything else that you have seen on our website, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01905 730900 or email us at family@worcfamilylaw.co.uk and someone from our team will be on hand to assist you.
