Collaborative Law

Collaborative law is a new non-confrontational approach to resolving issues arising out of family or relationship breakdowns.

It allows couples to work with trained professionals to resolve disputes, by keeping respect for each other and without going to court.

The collaborative law process is based on open, honest and dignified discussions during which you are supported by your own trained collaborative lawyer. We work together in a series of meetings without the threat of court proceedings, to find a fair and mutually acceptable solution.

For collaboration to work both parties must be open and honest. All information must be shared so that when the meetings take place there are no surprises or ambushes. It is ideal for couples who accept their relationship has broken down and want to sort things out, but feel unable to reach agreement just between themselves.

How does collaborative law work

  • Both parties sign an agreement confirming they will not start court proceedings and that they want to go through the collaborative law process. You agree what the objective of the process is (e.g. to sort out money, contact with children etc)
  • Both parties have to agree to be respectful, co-operative and truthful
  • There will be a series of meetings between the parties and their collaborative lawyers, where information is exchanged and negotiations take place
  • You are encouraged to find creative and individual solutions tailored to your own circumstances
  • The agreement reached is written into a settlement agreement which can be submitted to court for approval. 

Request A Callback

Enter your details below and we will call you back

This data will only be used to process your query. Read our privacy policy

If you would like to have a chat about your options or how we may be able to help you please contact a member of the team, complete our call back form or contact us directly at your local office.

Your Family Law Team

Oluwapelumi (Amanda) Adeola

Partner

Oluwapelumi (Amanda) Adeola specialises in private Family Law. She moved to the Northeast from London after completing her Legal Practice Course and trained…

Andrea Hewitson

Partner

Andrea is a specialist Family Lawyer with over 30 years’ experience. She undertook her law degree at Northumbria University and went on to study for…

Alex Clancy

Senior Associate

Alex began her career as a Family Law Clerk at Watson Woodhouse Solicitors after graduating from Teesside University in 2004. She spent her first year…

Cheryl Whyte

Senior Associate

Cheryl joined BHP Law in January 2023 as a Senior Associate to help expand the public aspect of the firms growing Family team. Cheryl qualified…

Charlotte Brown

Associate

Charlotte joined BHP Law in February 2024 as an Associate Solicitor to help expand the child law aspect of the firm’s growing family team. Charlotte…

Maariyah Zaman

Solicitor

Maariyah is a newly qualified Solicitor specialising in Family Law, predominantly public children law. Maariyah started her career as a legal secretary…

Nicole Shaw

Trainee Solicitor

Nicole joined BHP Law in January 2023 as a Trainee Solicitor having worked at VCW Law for nearly five years within the Family Department. Nicole commenced…

Gillian Mitchell

Chartered Legal Executive

With over 20 years experience as a Chartered Legal Executive specialising in Family Law, Gillian joined BHP Law's family team in October 2020 bringing…

Leanne Walker

Chartered Legal Executive Advocate

Leanne made the change from the procurement sector to law, having completed her part-time Open University law degree with upper second-class honours in…

Our Awards & Accreditations & Associations