Collaborative Law

Collaborative law, an alternative to mediation, is another way in which a separating couple can resolve issues without the need for court proceedings.  It is based upon a series of round table meetings involving you, your former partner/spouse and your respective lawyers. 

Together you will sign an agreement setting out various principles about how you wish to resolve issues and stating that it is your intention to reach a settlement without going to court.  You agree, if the process breaks down, that you will both instruct new lawyers and so there is a strong incentive for everyone to strive towards agreement and resolution.  All the negotiations in collaborative law take place face to face and “around the table” allowing you as a couple to control the process and keep correspondence to a minimum.

Collaborative law can be a useful way of agreeing the terms of a prenuptial agreement, where everyone’s wishes and concerns can be tackled head on in face-to-face meetings before final terms are agreed.

Our team of specialist family lawyers includes a number collaboratively trained lawyers, including Charlotte Bradley (who was instrumental in setting up the collaborative family law model of dispute resolution in this country) and Jane Keir, who will be able to discuss the suitability of this approach to your particular circumstances.