Collaborative Family Law

Uniquely in the UK, the specialist family lawyers group, Resolution, has set up a group of collaborative lawyers, who are trained and skilled in helping people benefit from the collaborative approach to resolving family disputes.

We are able to offer this specialist collaborative family law service.

The collaborative approach is fundamentally changing the way people think about family law. For couples who genuinely seek a fair solution, and want to minimise the pain of family breakdown, it may offer the very best way ahead.

Collaborative lawyers sign an agreement with you which disqualifies them from representing you in court if the collaborative process breaks down. That means they are absolutely committed to helping you find the best solutions by agreement, rather than through conflict.

What it needs to make it work

It sounds straightforward, but to work it needs the right people, with the right frame of mind:

• A genuine desire to make it work.
• A willingness to disclose, fully and honestly, information about all assets.
• Skilled trained solicitors who are practised in working in this new collaborative way.
• An agreement that you will reach a solution without going to court.
  

What makes it so successful

• You still benefit from having your own independent legal advisor. But you are in control, without the threat of court proceedings hanging over you.
• You set the agenda, so you talk about things that matter most to you and your family.
• You set the pace – because you are not governed by court dates and appearances.
• You maintain contact with your former partner. That way, you have the best chance of understanding each other, and finding the right solutions.
• If children are involved, you will both remain parents, and it will help your children to cope better with your separation if they see that you are working things out together.
• Most importantly, they key decisions you make about your future are yours – they are not made by a stranger in a courtroom.