Ashton Morton Slack offers Collaborative Law as an alternative approach to divorce
Collaboratively trained family law solicitor Ann Miller explains a relatively new approach to divorce, favoured for its dignified and less confrontational process.
The Collaborative Law process provides a fresh approach to resolving family and financial issues on separation and is designed to encourage agreement on a range of issues without all the stress of going to Court.
This method allows the couple to set the pace, agenda and to work together to reach a fair solution on matters including divorce separation and parenting disputes without going through the litigation process which can be expensive and undignified.
Collaborative law should be appropriate for people who have a genuine desire to make it work and who are prepared to agree that they will reach a solution without going to court.
If this is the case then couples can engage in open, honest and respectful discussions to agree the terms of their separation. In the course of these meetings each person will have their own collaborative lawyer and work together to identify tailored solutions which seek to find the best outcome for your family circumstances.
The main advantage of this approach to separation and divorce is that matters which can often be stressful and difficult are dealt with in a non-confrontational manner. Participants are encouraged to keep a broad perspective and remain in control of what is important to them allowing negotiations to take place around the table, face to face, with the assistance and legal advice of the solicitors in a series of ‘four-way' meetings. Most importantly, the key decisions about the future are made by the couple rather than in the courtroom, with other experts able to assist like accountants, life coaches and financial advisers.
Collaborative lawyers are committed to helping you find the best solutions by agreement, rather than through conflict, in fact both lawyers sign an agreement with you which will disqualify them from representing you in court if the collaborative process breaks down.
This constructive approach is particularly favoured by those who want to maintain an air of dignity, and preserve family relationships. In cases with children the focus is on them and it can help children cope better with their parent's separation if they see their parents working things out together.
Ann Miller has been a dedicated family solicitor for over 14 years, she is a specialist accredited member of Resolution and in addition she is also a trained collaborative lawyer. If you would like more information or advice on family matters you can reach Ann on 0114 228 6165.