Our services: collaborative law
We offer particular expertise in collaborative family law, a newer way for divorcing or separating couples to mutually resolve disputes by working as a team, with trained professionals, and without going to court.
During the process, each client is supported, protected and guided by his or her own lawyer. The lawyers are there to help the clients but not take the case to court and are, in fact, prevented from doing so.
The main elements of this approach, called collaborative practice, are set out in a contract called a participation agreement, which the clients and lawyers sign.
The process is designed to negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement, without using a court to decide any issues, through the clients sharing information and communicating openly.
The aim is to create shared solutions that recognise each client’s highest priorities. Advantages include:
- Keeping control of the process without having to go to court
- Children’s needs are given priority
- You and your partner commit to reaching agreement through a problem-solving approach
- An atmosphere of respect preserves self-esteem
- Face-to-face meetings in the presence of lawyers make negotiations direct and efficient and allow for mutually created solutions
- Collaborative practice helps both of you to plan for your own future, and that of your children, and to begin new lives.
For further details or an appointment, please contact:
- Michael Brady at our Cirencester office on 01285 654875
- Janice Leyland at our Gloucester office on01452 508800.
