Our Services


WHAT IS THE COLLABORATIVE LAW PROCESS?

When you separate, many things will worry you, like: children, home, business assets, pensions, maintenance.

Again before you decide to live together you may want advice on cohabitation/pre-nuptial agreements or early advice on the governments proposals in the cohabitation bill.

Some areas you will agree on, and they are common ground for us to work with.

Other areas will always be a source of conflict, and we can help you negotiate these without falling out.

But throughout the entire process you keep control of the areas of discussion - no court, no judgement, no imposed timetable, and most importantly no decision you didn't take part in.


WHAT CAN YOU DO TO START THE BALL ROLLING?

1 - Call Neil or Martin for an appointment to attend a short options meeting to discuss the options available to you. These include the collaborative process but also include Mediation, Negotiation, and the Court (Litigation) option. You may bring any documents with you if you wish, and we do not mind if a friend accompanies you.


WHAT IF WE THINK IT ISN'T FOR YOU?

We can help refer you to a local specialised Solicitor or you can chose one yourself and they will discuss the other options with you.


WHAT IF WE DECIDE IT IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

2 - If you decide, with our help that the Collaborative Process is likely to be your best Option, then we get you to talk to your partner to let them discuss the collaborative process with their own choice of collaborative lawyer-we have a list of people available, or you can use the Resolution Website. Just enter Resolution into any search engine.

3 - Once your partner has agreed to use the Collaborative Process, we progress to a Second Meeting between you and your Collaborative Lawyer, to discuss a Plan of Action, which best suits your needs, and fits in around your finances, your working hours, and your children if appropriate.

4 - We arrange a 4-Way meeting between you and your collaborative lawyer, and your partner and their collaborative lawyer. You sign the participation agreement, Then the 4 of us can discuss openly the best way to achieve what you both want to happen. You help plan the agendas for any subsequent meetings. You decide whether you need or want to bring in any other specialists, like
accountants (if there is a family business) or Family therapists (if there are children with special needs), and at all times the meetings are controlled by you-at your pace-within your comfort zone - at a level you can cope with and no more!

5 - We all then work towards achieving a final agreement which you and your partner consent to. This is a working document for the future and this is what will be approved by the Judge through your Collaborative Lawyers.


WHY CHOOSE THE COLLABORATIVE PROCESS?

• It is dignified.
• It is non-adversorial and treats both partners equally.
• It allows you to control your own outcomes.
• It can be quicker and less expensive.
• Each party receives expert legal advice.
• The agreement you reach is formulated into a legally binding court order.

WHAT DO YOU GET FROM ONE OF OUR COLLABORATIVE BARRISTERS?

You get your own personal public access qualified barrister to:

• Provide their expertise and experience in family law.
• Listen to your concerns.
• Help you to negotiate face to face with your partner and their lawyer.
• Advise you what options are available for your finances, your children, your future.
• Help you achieve the best outcome for all of your personal needs.
• Help you divorce with dignity - and you deserve that.