Collaborative Law.

Collaborative practice offers clients an alternative to more traditional lawyer-led negotiations, or court proceedings. A key feature of a collaboration is that the parties involved commit to resolving their family law issues and concerns cooperatively without the threat of court proceedings.

Collaboration is confidential and private, and keeps parties away from Court. Collaboration offers a resolution pathway that promotes a more respectful post-separation relationship. This is important where parties wish to share the care of their children, or are committed, despite their separation, to maintaining a functional relationship with their former spouse/partner.

Both parties must have a collaboratively trained lawyer. All parties meet together in a series of conference-style meetings with a communication consultant. The process begins with identifying the issues, and working through an agreed plan to resolve these. Other experts such as financial advisors or child-experts may also be engaged. The number of meetings needed will depend on the complexities involved. Agreements reached in a collaboration are then documented using either Consent Orders or other documents as appropriate.