Family, collaborative Law

COLLABORATIVE LAW

Divorce with dignity and respect.

Collaborative Law. The underlying sentiment of Collaboration is to ensure that separating couples reach solutions that are in the best interests of the entire family.

There is no court involvement, minimising the emotional cost to everyone.

We at Lemon &Co have two trained Collaborative lawyers who work together with like-minded practitioners in Swindon, the surrounding area, and throughout the country.

This is now not a new process, and is fully supported and endorsed by leading Family Law Judges. The Honourable Mr. Justice Coleridge recently gave the Opening address at The Annual Conference for Collaborative Professionals, where he expressed his unreserved support for this means of resolving marital and other issues.

The Practice of Collaborative Law.

Separating couples are each represented by a specially trained collaboratively family lawyers. Together, all four - the two spouses and the two lawyers - must sign a legally-binding agreement to remain respectful, negotiate in good faith, provide full and early disclosure of all relevant information and attend to the needs of each party. All four participating parties agree not to threaten to, or take the other to court. It is a commitment to agree to reach a resolution.

A settlement will be reached and endorsed in a document to be filed with the Court, who then approve the agreement and make an Order.

It is fundamental to the Collaborative process that in the unlikely event a couple is not able to reach a settlement, both collaborative lawyers instructed must remove themselves from the case leaving the parties to start divorce proceedings with new lawyers.

Removing the threat of going to Court, and all the accompanying risks and emotional turmoil, provides an atmosphere at collaborative meetings, which is positive towards reaching agreement. It is not to say that it is an easy process and although it will not be the answer for everybody, it will in many cases help to provide a lasting result.
The process promotes honesty between the parties. Lawyers will provide their expertise, legal advice and information about the process. It is a non-adversarial process Parties are able to choose their own pace and we are, as a result, finding that issues can be resolved quickly through a series of face-to-face meetings. The sense of control that couples gain, aids negotiation and reduces confrontation and helps preserve family relationships, through out and into the longer term.

The options have previously been limited. Some do not feel mediation is suitable for them because they feel too exposed, others do not wish to litigate because it is too uncertain and traumatic. There are those who have never been to see a solicitor and fear the meeting and the costs.

Collaborative Law may be the saving grace. Foremost, it allows you to keep control while receiving advice, protection, privacy and freedom from open court.
Most couples who are separating, even those that are hurt, bruised, angry and frightened, just want what fairness, and Collaborative Law is certainly fair.

It is, without doubt, divorce with dignity and respect.

Lemon&Co, and all the firms who are members of CFL (Collaborative Family Lawyers) are Collaborative Practitioners and we would be happy to talk to you about Collaborative practice.

We all operate a scheme that offers a free first assessment appointment.

Do contact us on 0800 135 7917 (without charge)

Also look at the web link www.collaborativefamilylawyers.co.uk as your partner will also require a qualified collaborative lawyer.

TELEPHONE: 0800 135 7917 (No Charge)