Collaborative Law - a brighter future?

When a relationship breaks down, it can, understandably, be very difficult for the persons concerned to reach solutions.

Traditionally, when couples separate, they each take independent advice from specialist family lawyers. They then try to reach agreement on such things as how to share the assets and the responsibilities for the children, as they each go their separate ways.

If agreement cannot be reached, it is left to the Courts to decide and this can lead to uncertainty, heartache and expense. Decisions over issues that are essentially deeply personal are now out of the couple's hands and there is the added pressure of court appearances plus worry over what decisions the court will reach. Added to the lack of control the couple feel, the costs can mount up quickly.

Thankfully, there is a way to avoid this.

Increasingly, couples are using a 'Collaborative' approach which, with the help of specially trained solicitors, allows couples to reach an agreement without going to Court.

Ware & Kay's Jonathan Leach and Harriet Reid are trained Collaborative lawyers and both are absolutely committed to helping clients to find the best solution by agreement.

The couples still benefit from having their own independent solicitors but the big difference is, this is a process in which they are in control without the threat of Court proceedings. The couples set the agenda so that they talk about the things that matter most to them and their family.

The Collaborative approach is particularly beneficial for any children involved. Seeing their parents work things out together, without Court appearances, helps them to cope better with the separation. There is likely to be less conflict, which benefits the entire family in the long run.

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For further advice on family and matrimonial issues, please contact a member of our family team.

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Published:

29 April 2011