Partner Tasha Bevan-Stewart, in our leading Family Law team, explains the collaborative law approach and explores whether it offers a better way to divorce with dignity.
What is collaborative law?
Collaborative law offers separating couples the opportunity to discuss and resolve their financial and child arrangements round-table in a non-confrontational way. Lawyers offer constructive advice and explore options with clients, to help them reach an optimal outcome in their case. Advice is given openly, so each party hears the advice the other is getting.
The big advantage is that we commit to avoiding Court at the outset, which frees up the couple and their lawyers to negotiate openly and in good faith. Meetings are held in a private and confidential setting, arranged at a time and place to suit you.
At the end of a financial case, lawyers draft the Order and it is submitted to Court by agreement between the parties. You can also discuss your divorce, children issues and negotiate prenuptial contracts using the collaborative process.
What are the benefits of collaborative law?
Clients often find using the collaborative process reduces the stress of going through separation. They get their questions answered face to face with on-hand legal advice. Professional advice from financial advisers and therapeutic consultants is offered to help clients achieve a beneficial outcome. Lawyers work together to manage the process, rather than engaging in adversarial litigation. This keeps costs much lower than litigation costs. We also minimise the sending of letters and emails to keep costs down.
Currently, we can offer meetings via Zoom which successfully supports many clients choosing this process whilst the restrictions relating to COVID-19 are ongoing.
Our Family Law team features several collaborative lawyers so please get in touch if you would like to find out more. We can provide helpful and understanding advice for you and your family if you are considering separation or divorce.
For further information or legal advice, please contact law@blandy.co.uk or call 0118 951 6800.
This article is intended for the use of clients and other interested parties. The information contained in it is believed to be correct at the date of publication, but it is necessarily of a brief and general nature and should not be relied upon as a substitute for specific professional advice.
