Most of us know how stressful, destructive and unproductive family law disputes can be. At best, the experience is one of having strangers (lawyers, judges, experts, etc.) make the important decisions for you and your family. All too often, family court litigation becomes a breeding ground for anger, suspicion, fear and anxiety.
Collaborative family law is a better choice for many people faced with family law disputes. Both the parties and their lawyers sign a contract that they will not go to court. This provides an extra incentive for the parties, and the lawyers, to resolve all issues by way of Separation Agreement.
At the heart of Collaborative Family Law is the belief, shared by the parties and their lawyers, that it is in their best interests and the best interests of the family to resolve differences with minimal conflict and without going to court.
The London Collaborative Family Law Group
- Collaborative lawyers help resolve disputes without resorting to adversarial techniques or tactics
- Collaborative lawyers try to understand concerns of both parties, and help them both achieve positive solutions for them as individuals and their family
- The focus is on solutions, not posturing and rhetoric
Through settlement meetings conducted with your collaborative family lawyers:
- You will identify the issues that need to be addressed
- You will receive legal advice from your collaborative lawyer throughout the process
- You will exchange the necessary financial documents
- You will discuss your differing perspectives
- You will develop and consider creative solutions
- You will have each have independent legal advice from your respective collaborative lawyer
- You and your spouse will make the decisions and have control over the outcome, timing and resolution of your family law issues
The result will be an agreement that reflects the needs of both parties and the family, and not one that is imposed upon you.
The collaborative family law process works when it is more important for you to solve problems and work privately towards fair solutions rather than arguing publicly in court. In the adversarial court system, both parties will pay increased legal costs and there is an increased risk that neither party will be awarded what they are seeking. By fighting with one another in court, it is unlikely that the parties will ever have an amicable relationship, let alone be able to positively co-parent.
Collaborative Process – How it works:
Lawyers | Professional Team | Professional Team | Neutrals | Professional Team | Team |
Spouse 1 Initial Consultation with Collaborative Family Lawyer Spouse 2 Initial Consultation With Collaborative Family Lawyer | Lawyer 1 and Lawyer 2 have a phone call to discuss issues of priority and next steps, and Agenda for 1st Full Team meeting. | Lawyer 1 and Lawyer 2 have a phone call to discuss issues of priority and next steps, and Agenda for 1st Full Team meeting. | Family Professional and/or Financial Professionals do work with spouses in between Collaborative Team meetings. | Family Professional and/or Financial Professionals do work with spouses in between Collaborative Team meetings. | 2nd Full Team Meeting |
In many cases, a draft Separation Agreement is prepared for review by all parties by the Third Team meeting, but that depends on the level of co operation and conflict.