As the courts in England and Wales struggle to cope with a mixture of high demand and financial cuts, many people are now looking for alternative ways of resolving their family law disputes – particularly when it comes to divorce or a civil partnership dissolution. One option that is increasingly popular is collaborative law. WHAT IS COLLABORATIVE LAW? The aim of collaborative law is to resolve family law disputes without the need to go to court. The collaborative family law process is a relatively new way of dealing with family disputes and can only be undertaken by a specially trained lawyer. WHAT HAPPENS IN THE COLLABORATIVE LAW PROCESS? Both you and your spouse/partner will have your own lawyer who will provide you with independent advice and assistance. There will then be a series of negotiations which take place in face-to-face meetings with both yourselves and the solicitors present. The aim of the meetings is for all present to work together to resolve the issues. The intention is that the face to face process will enable you and your spouse/partner to achieve an agreement that you are both happy with, which will be a lasting solution and will not require the involvement of the court. Where necessary your collaborative family lawyer will seek input from other experts that may be of assistance to you, such as counsellors, family consultants and financial professionals who are also committed to the collaborative law process. A specialist team can be formed which is best for your family’s needs. The collaborative process can fit around you, with meetings arranged to suit your diary and the meetings taking place round a table, rather than being dealt with by solicitors letters or court proceedings. Any agreement reached as part of the collaborative process can be approved by the court who are invited to make a consent order. The order provides certainty but without the need to appear before a Judge or become involved in proceedings. The Gateley family law team can assist you if you want to explore collaborative law as an option. We can be contacted on 0161 7700 or by email at EHassall@gateleyuk.com
Gateley provides a specialist family law service with a team based in Manchester. Elizabeth Hassall heads up the family law team, assisted by Esther Edmondson and Joanne Radcliff.
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