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.

What is Collaborative Law?

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

The agreement reached is written into a settlement agreement which can be submitted to court for approval. 

  • 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
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Explore our Family Law services

Adoption

Adoption

Adoption is a legal procedure which involves an application to Court.

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Child care proceedings advice

Child care proceedings advice

On occasions it becomes unclear whether a child or children are being afforded the care and nurturing they deserve by their immediate and extended family.

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Civil Partnership Rights

Civil Partnership Rights

A civil partnership is a special ceremony that lets same-sex couples formalise their relationship and gain marriage-like rights.

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Cohabitation Rights

Cohabitation Rights

Many call long-term live-in partners 'common law' husband or wife, but no such legal status exists, it's simply cohabitation.

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Divorce & Matrimonial Law

Divorce & Matrimonial Law

Divorce is a difficult time, often bringing unwanted life changes – our solicitors understand.

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Domestic Abuse

Domestic Abuse

If you or your children face domestic abuse or harassment from a partner or family member, seek urgent advice from our family team—we can advise on Family Law Orders and…

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Financial Relief in Divorce

Financial Relief in Divorce

After marriage breakdown, sorting finances is critical—known as financial remedy (FR) proceedings.

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Grandparents

Grandparents

After a relationship breakdown, grandparents often struggle to see their grandchildren.

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Issues involving children

Issues involving children

Our children solicitors know children are the most valued assets in family breakdowns, which is why many advisors sit on the Solicitors Children Panel.

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Parental Responsibility

Parental Responsibility

During relationship breakdowns, the most emotive issue is often who cares for the child daily and how often the other parent sees them.

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Pre-Nuptial Agreements

Pre-Nuptial Agreements

As divorce becomes a matter-of-fact element of 21st century society, many men and women are marrying and divorcing more than once.

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