Alternative approaches to Family Law

Collaborative Law
Collaborative Law is a relatively new development in the world of family law but is becoming an increasingly successful option for separating couples. The collaborative process involves each spouse instructing their own collaboratively trained solicitor who will guide them and advise throughout. The couple and their solicitors are all committed to resolving the issues without going to Court and an agreement is signed at the beginning of the process to confirm that, if discussions break down and a Court Application is the only way forward, new solicitors will have to be instructed. 

Negotiations occur through a series of four-way meetings between the couple and their respective solicitors. The focus in the collaborative process is upon control remaining with the couple thereby enabling them to reach agreement through constructive discussion rather than adversarial argument.

Mediation
Mediation provides a constructive alternative to resolving the issues that arise on divorce and separation through the Courts. It is a voluntary process. You remain in charge of the decisions made about your children and about how the money is divided between you and your partner or spouse. It also ensures a safe arena to discuss important matters.

The mediator remains impartial and can therefore provide unbiased and balanced support to you and your partner. Mediators cannot provide legal, financial or other advice but will give you relevant and appropriate information to help you make such important decisions.

Mediation is confidential which promotes open and honest discussion. We will not pass information about you or the mediation to any third parties without your joint permission, although there are important exceptions to this rule which are there for your protection. We will talk you through the process before mediation begins.