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Collaborative Law
The collaborative family law process is a relatively new way of dealing with family disputes. At present it cannot be provided to persons in receipt of public funding (legal aid) but the Legal Services Commission are looking to change this in the near future.
Under the collaborative process each person appoints their own lawyer who must be qualified in the collaborative process. Rather than have negotiations conducted by letter and telephone, you and your lawyers meet to work things out face-to-face in what are known as ‘round table meetings’.
Your lawyer will be by your side throughout the entire process and provide legal advice only to you but the aim of the collaborative process is to resolve disputes without having to go to court and argue them before a Judge.
The collaborative process is not right for everyone but it could be appropriate for you if:
- You wish to resolve matters in a non-aggressive way;
- You wish to reach an agreement that put the needs and the interests of your children first;
- You wish to avoid the costs and the animosity which may be generated by formal traditional court proceedings;
- You wish to maintain a good relationship with your partner in the future;
- You wish to maintain control over decisions about your financial arrangements or about arrangements involving the children but wish to obtain expert advice on these matters;
- You do not want decisions to be made by a Judge who has no personal first hand knowledge of your personal circumstances;
- Your main aim is not to seek revenge on your ex-partner.
