What is collaborative law?

Collaborative family law is a non-confrontational approach to resolving the many issues that can arise when family relationships break down.

While the ultimate objective is to reach fair and mutually acceptable agreements that can be made binding by a court order, that objective is reached through a series of collaborative meetings rather than through stressful, expensive and time-consuming court proceedings.

How does the collaborative law process work?

If you would like to explore the benefits of collaborative law, the first step is usually for both parties to sign a participation agreement.

This states that you are both committed to resolving all of the outstanding issues caused by your relationship without going to court; but with assistance from collaborative lawyers.

In practice, this means that you and your former partner (or family member if it's a family dispute) will usually attend a number of four-way meetings with your respective collaborative lawyers.

You can then decide the rules and agenda you want to follow, and even decide to bring in other experts who may be helpful, including life coaches, family counsellors and financial experts.

This method helps you to find creative solutions to your problems that are tailored to your specific circumstances. Once full agreement has been reached, your collaborative lawyers can draw up a settlement agreement, which will usually be submitted to a court to be approved and made into a binding order.

How long does the collaborative law process take?

It's worth noting that in addition to taking some of the stress and conflict out of the situation, collaborative law agreements are usually reached in about three to four months, whereas a contested hearing in court can be expected to take anywhere between nine months and two years.

That means a great deal of extended stress and costs which can be potentially be avoided; and whilst each case is different, the collaborative law process will almost invariably cost less in legal fees and court fees than a contested hearing.

How we can help

Slater and Gordon's collaborative lawyers have the expertise and the experience you need to choose collaborative law rather than litigation.

To speak to a specialist, call us now on 0330 041 5869 or or contact us online today and we will call you.