Collaborative Family Lawyers

You aren’t alone if you haven’t heard of Collaborative Family Law before – it’s a relatively new way of dealing with family disputes.

If you’re navigating the complexities of a family law matter – such as divorce or separation – and seeking a solution that prioritises open communication, cooperation, and tailored resolutions, Collaborative Law may be the answer.

With years of experience, our collaborative family law team is ready to guide you through the process.

Contact our us today to learn more about the experience and how we can help,

What Is Collaborative Law?

Collaborative Law is a modern and client-centred approach to resolving family disputes, providing an alternative to traditional court proceedings.

In this forum, each party involved in a separation or divorce retains their own lawyer.

However, instead of engaging in negotiations through written correspondence or telephone exchanges, Collaborative Law encourages face-to-face meetings (in person or via video platforms).

This creates a cooperative environment where both parties, supported by their respective lawyers, collaborate to find mutually agreeable solutions.

The Collaborative Law Process

The Collaborative Law process is a structured and transparent approach designed to facilitate the resolution of family disputes.

Once parties opt for Collaborative Law, they commit to a series of face-to-face meetings, guided by their respective lawyers, to address the issues at hand.

These meetings provide a platform for open communication, allowing both parties to express their concerns and priorities.

Participation Agreement

A key aspect of the experience is signing a Participation Agreement, a commitment by all parties to work towards a resolution without resorting to court proceedings.

This commitment creates a cooperative atmosphere, fostering an environment where creative and mutually beneficial solutions can be explored.

Throughout the process, our experienced collaborative lawyers ensure that each party’s interests are effectively represented, contributing to a more efficient and tailored resolution process.

Benefits Of Collaborative Law

The benefits of choosing Collaborative Law for your family dispute are multifaceted, offering a more constructive and efficient alternative to traditional court proceedings.

• Better Communication: Collaborative Law fosters improved communication between you and the other party. The face-to-face meetings, guided by your respective lawyers, create a conducive environment for open and respectful dialogue.
• Decision-Making Control: Opting for Collaborative Law ensures that you and the other person retain control over the critical decisions that need to be made. This empowerment in decision-making contributes to a more satisfactory and personalised resolution.
• Tailor-Made Options: Collaborative Law allows for the exploration of tailor-made solutions in a relaxed and cooperative manner. This flexibility ensures that the outcomes address both parties’ unique needs and concerns, providing a kinder, more achievable and agreeable resolution.
• Cost-Effective and Efficient: Besides the emotional benefits, Collaborative Law can be more time-efficient and cost-effective than traditional court processes. By avoiding courtroom proceedings and judge-made orders, the collaborative approach often results in a quicker and more economical resolution, sparing both emotional and financial costs.

Contact Our Collaborative Family Lawyers

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

Led by Resolution-trained Jackie Mensah, our team is committed to providing expert legal support while fostering a cooperative environment for open communication and tailor-made solutions.

Contact our collaborative family lawyers today to take the first step towards a more amicable resolution to your family dispute.

You can call us on 01903 229999, email info@bennett-griffin.co.uk or 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 duration of the collaborative law process varies depending on the complexity of the case and the cooperation of both parties. On average, it can take a few months to reach an agreement. Since collaborative Law focuses on negotiation and open communication, the process is generally quicker than traditional litigation. However, the exact timeframe will depend on the specifics of each case and the schedules of the involved parties and professionals.

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.

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

If an agreement cannot be reached through collaborative Law, the process ends, and both parties will need to seek new legal representation to pursue the matter through traditional litigation or another dispute resolution method. Transitioning to a different process can involve additional time and costs, so assessing all options is important. For personalised guidance, consult our collaborative law solicitor.

How do I start the collaborative law process?

To start the collaborative law process with Bennett Griffin, contact us via phone or email to schedule an initial consultation. During this meeting, you’ll discuss your situation with one of our experienced collaborative law solicitors to determine if this approach suits your needs. If collaborative Law is appropriate, both parties and their solicitors will sign a participation agreement committing to the process. Then, you’ll begin a series of structured meetings to negotiate and resolve your issues collaboratively.