Working together
Collaborative Law is a process by which both parties work together with their lawyers to achieve a fair solution with a signed, written commitment not to go to court. The process is based upon a principle of non-confrontation.
This process can help to resolve issues relating to children, the breakdown of a marriage or cohabiting relationship, or in the preparation of a pre-nuptial agreement.
At the outset of the process, each party will need to instruct an accredited Collaborative Lawyer. The parties and their lawyers will then arrange to meet for a series of “four-way meetings” at which the issues to be resolved will be considered in constructive discussion with a view to finding a fair and amicable solution.
The benefits of the Collaborative Law process:
- You will be actively involved in discussing and resolving the issues throughout.
- It can help to avoid future conflict and acrimony between you and your former spouse/partner. This may be particularly beneficial when dealing with issues relating to children.
- You may avoid the potential cost and stress of court proceedings.
- The outcome of your case is determined by decisions agreed during the meetings, not by decisions ordered by a Judge.
- The process can be dealt with quickly and within a timescale agreed between the parties.
- You will have the benefit of advice from a specialist, experienced Collaborative Lawyer throughout.
Andrew Delo is an accredited Resolution trained Collaborative Family Lawyer.
