Collaborative Family Law
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. Each person appoints their own lawyer, but instead of negotiations going between you and the other person by letter or telephone, you meet in person, with your lawyers, to work out any issues face-to-face.
Our experience is that this collaborative approach can be hugely helpful at any stage of the separation or divorce. Amongst other things, it can be used to negotiate financial settlements; agree pre and post nuptial agreements, as well as resolving contact and residence issues about children.
Those involved in the Collaborative method sign up to a Participation Agreement, confirming that everyone will commit to resolving the issues without making applications to the Court.
You’ll also find that it is usual for the lawyers involved to match each other’s fees, to ensure that both you and the other person are not disadvantaged with regard to costs.
The benefits of Collaborative Law include:-
- Better communication between you and the other person
- You and the other person decide the issues to be discussed and retain control of important decision making
- Tailor-made options can be explored in a relaxed way
- It can be quicker and less expensive than going to Court and asking the Judge to make Orders
Jackie Mensah is a Resolution trained collaborative lawyer who can discuss with you how Collaborative Law could work for you and your family.
