Collaborative Family Law Solicitors in West Sussex

If you are going through a divorce, separation, or another family dispute, you don’t always have to face the stress and cost of going to court.

At Bennett Griffin, our collaborative family law solicitor in West Sussex helps you resolve matters constructively and cooperatively, maintaining open communication and tailoring solutions to your family’s specific needs.

With offices in Worthing and Chichester, our Resolution-trained collaborative lawyer, Jackie, is here to guide you through the process with care, expertise, and sensitivity.

Call us today on 01903 229999 (Worthing) or 01243 256370 (Chichester) to book an initial consultation and find out if collaborative law is right for you.

What Is Collaborative Law?

Collaborative law is an alternative to traditional court proceedings that emphasises cooperation rather than conflict.

Instead of communicating through letters or court hearings, both parties meet face-to-face (either in person or online) with the support of their own specially trained collaborative family lawyers.

Together, you discuss the issues that matter most — from finances to child arrangements — and work towards a solution that feels fair and practical.

This approach keeps you in control of the decisions while reducing the stress and expense that often come with litigation.

Find out more in our FAQs below.

The Collaborative Law Process

The collaborative process follows a clear structure designed to support open communication and positive outcomes:

1. Initial consultation – You meet with our collaborative family law solicitor to discuss whether this approach is suitable for your situation.
2. Participation agreement – Both parties and their solicitors sign a written commitment to resolve matters without going to court.
3. Joint meetings – Guided discussions take place with solicitors for both parties present. These meetings enable concerns to be raised, priorities to be shared, and solutions to be explored.
4. Agreement reached – Once a resolution is agreed, it can be made legally binding by the court (without the need for contested hearings).

Throughout the process, your solicitor remains at your side, ensuring your interests are protected while keeping the focus on respectful communication.

Is Collaborative Family Law Right for You?

Collaborative law can be particularly effective if:

• You and your ex-partner want to avoid the stress and expense of court.
• You need to make arrangements for children and want to keep discussions constructive.
• You want to retain control over decisions rather than leaving them to a judge.
• You prefer a more respectful and supportive process that can preserve family relationships where possible.

It may not be appropriate where there are concerns about domestic abuse, significant power imbalances, or if one party is unwilling to negotiate in good faith.

In such situations, alternative legal routes, such as divorce and separation proceedings or mediation, may be more suitable.

Benefits of Collaborative Family Law

Choosing collaborative law offers several important advantages over traditional litigation:

• Improved communication: Face-to-face discussions encourage open and respectful dialogue.
• Control over decisions: You and the other party stay in charge of the outcome, not the court.
• Tailored solutions: Agreements are shaped around your family’s unique needs.
• Cost-effective: Collaborative law is often quicker and more affordable than contested hearings.
• Less stress: Focusing on cooperation reduces hostility and fosters healthier, long-term relationships.

Our collaborative family law solicitor is trained through Resolution, the national organisation dedicated to constructive approaches to family law, reassuring you that your case is in safe hands.

Local Support in West Sussex

At Bennett Griffin, we have been supporting families across West Sussex for decades.

With offices in Worthing and Chichester, we are well-placed to provide local, accessible advice when you need it most.

We are proud of our reputation as approachable and professional family solicitors, combining expert legal knowledge with genuine care for our clients.

Contact Our Collaborative Family Lawyer

When you’re ready to embark on the path of collaborative resolution for your family matters, our experienced Collaborative Family Lawyer at Bennett Griffin LLP is here to guide you through the process.

Resolution-trained Jackie Mensah is committed to providing expert legal support while fostering a cooperative environment that promotes open communication and tailored solutions.

We have two offices in West Sussex where you can reach Jackie:

• Family Law Solicitors in Worthing
• Family Law Solicitors in Chichester

You can call us on 01903 229999 or 01243 256370.

Alternatively, fill in the form below, and a member of our team will reply to you shortly.

Further Reading

• Non-Court based Dispute Resolution
• The Benefits Of Divorce Mediation
• Gently Does It – Collaborative Law and Mediation

Watch Our Family Law Podcast

Our Family Law team discusses Family Law-related matters on their podcast ‘Legal Mythbusting – Family Matters‘.

The full playlist can be watched below or viewed directly on YouTube.

Below is an episode we recorded about Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), which addresses mediation and collaborative law.

Collaborative Law FAQs

How long does the collaborative law process take?

The timeframe varies depending on your circumstances and the number of meetings required, but collaborative law is generally quicker than going through the courts. Many cases are resolved within a few months.

Is collaborative law cheaper than going to court?

In many cases, yes. Because the process avoids lengthy hearings, it is often more cost-effective than litigation. Costs will depend on the complexity of your situation and the number of sessions required.

Is collaborative law suitable for all types of family disputes?

Collaborative Law can be suitable for a variety of family disputes, including divorce, child custody, and property division. However, it may not be appropriate for cases involving domestic violence, significant power imbalances, or unwillingness to negotiate in good faith. The success of the collaborative law process largely depends on the willingness of both parties to work together respectfully and openly. For specific advice, contact our Family Law team.

Can collaborative law help with child arrangements?

Yes. Collaborative law is often used by separating parents who want to agree on child arrangements in a constructive and non-confrontational manner.

What happens if we can’t reach an agreement through collaborative law?

If collaborative law does not result in an agreement, both parties will need to appoint new solicitors to pursue the matter through court or another process.

How do I start the collaborative law process?

Contact our team to arrange an initial consultation. We will explain the process in detail and help you determine whether collaborative law is the right fit for your situation.