THE MARSHALL & GALPIN GUIDE TO COLLABORATIVE FAMILY LAW
Collaborative Family Law is a new way to manage the divorce or separation process in a respectful and dignified manner. It is designed to minimise the hurt, loss of self-esteem, anger and alienation that can occur with divorce.
In the collaborative process the separating couple and their family lawyers agree in writing to reach a settlement without court involvement. They agree to work together to resolve issues whether about children or finances. Sometimes the help of other experts may be called in as part of the team. The specialist family lawyers use their experience and skills in negotiating and problem solving to help their clients achieve a fair settlement in an atmosphere of openness and honesty. If there are children, their interests are given the utmost priority.
The advantages of collaborative family law are not just that it may minimise legal costs but it achieves the divorce or separation through agreement and mutual problem solving. Clients take control of shaping their final agreement rather than having a settlement imposed by the court.
How It Works
The separating couple and their lawyers agree to resolve issues without going to court.
The individual clients will spend time with their own lawyers but settlement is reached in face to face meetings involving not just the lawyers but the couple as well. In the atmosphere of openness all relevant information is disclosed in the collaborative process.
The separating couple remain in control of the process but are supported by their individual lawyers for legal advice and guidance.
If an agreement is not reached through the collaborative process then both lawyers withdraw from the case and the couple have to instruct new lawyers to deal with resolving outstanding issues through the courts.
At Marshall & Galpin we can deal with your divorce or separation either through conventional channels and the Courts, by way of mediation, and now by means of the collaborative law process. We can discuss with you the advantages of the various approaches and help you decide whether you and your case are suitable for the collaborative approach.
Our Head of the Family Department, James Stonham, has been trained by one of the leading collaborative practitioners and will be pleased to discuss with you what is involved and how the collaborative approach might benefit you.
For further information, please contact:-
James Stonham (Thame) 01844 219102 email - mailto:james.stonham@marshallgalpin.com
Angela Davies (Thame) 01844 219110 email - mailto:angela.davies@marshallgalpin.com
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