When a relationship breaks down, Collaborative Law offers couples the chance to reach their own solutions with dignity and respect, with the assistance of specialist, collaborative family lawyers.
Collaborative Law involves:
- A couple committing to resolve all issues arising out of the breakdown of their relationship out of court, through a series of roundtable meetings
- Each partner having the support of his or her family solicitor at each meeting. The intention is, however, that the couple work with their lawyers to find the right solution for the whole family, based upon shared needs and aspirations
- Each partner disclosing his or her financial circumstances within the process
- Where appropriate, bringing other experts into the process to assist the couple, including mediators, financial advisors or child specialists.
Collaborative Law has many benefits
- It encourages and promotes ongoing co-operation, trust and communication between separating partners; this is critical, particularly where they have children
- By exploring a range of options, the emphasis is on the couple themselves to find a tailored solution which suits the family
- It avoids the uncertainty and considerable stress which court proceedings can entail
Clearly, Collaborative Law is not suitable for every couple and is amongst a range of options available to separating couples, including mediation, out of court negotiation through solicitors and the court process. If the collaborative process breaks down, each partner needs to find an alternative solicitor, so it is very important that we meet with you to assess the benefits and risks before the process begins.
The head of our family law department, Edward Cooke has trained as a Collaborative Lawyer with Resolution, a nationwide group of family lawyers. He is a Member of the Chichester and South Downs Collaborative Law Group (otherwise known as “Pod”).
To arrange an initial consultation, please contact Edward at our Chichester office. We are also able to meet with you at our offices in Petworth, Billingshurst and Storrington.
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