Collaborative Law and Legal Advice in Norwich
After the breakdown of a relationship, discussing your issues face-to-face might seem too difficult. Strong feelings of bitterness, hurt and anger are often present. However, the very best solutions are nearly always those which you work out together.
Collaborative Law is a dignified way to work with your former partner to find workable solutions without going to court. Collaborative Law puts you in control of the pace and agenda of divorce proceedings while ensuring you receive professional legal support. Based in Norwich and serving Norfolk, Family Law Consultancy are specialists in providing collaborative legal advice and services. Contact us today to discuss this legal pathway.
Why use Collaborative Law?
Collaborative Law is ideal if you don’t want to take your case to court but professional legal advice is still required to resolve your issues.
Serving Norwich and Norfolk, Family Law Consultancy is very experienced in providing legal advice for individuals who wish to pursue Collaborative Law when ending their marriage or civil partnership.
How it works
Traditionally, separating couples each go to their own lawyer, who communicate on the couple’s behalf. The lawyers then try to reach agreement on how best to settle their differences. An agreement is often reached with the help and support of specialist family lawyers. In cases where an agreement is not reached, the family courts have to decide, leading to uncertainty, stress, heartache and extra expenses.
Collaborative Law is an alternative that can avoid these problems. The process involves sitting down with your former spouse and your respective solicitors to reach a mutual agreement. You work with your solicitors, rather than through them, taking part in a series of “four-way meetings” to negotiate the best solutions for you, your former spouse and your family. Other professionals may also be brought into the process to reach an agreement, at the suggestion of your solicitor. To make the process work, you must have a genuine desire to reach an agreement that is fair for the whole family, not just for yourself. There should be a commitment to resolving the issues without going to court, and you should be willing to disclose information about your assets, fully and honestly.
Why is it successful?
The Collaborative Law method is successful because it allows you to make decisions about your future without them being decided by a stranger in court. You can set the pace, as there are no court dates and appearances to adhere to. You also maintain contact with your former partner every step of the way. This gives you the best chance of understanding each other, and as a result, finding the right solutions. By working together, you can also help your children cope with your separation as they will see that you are both trying to reach an agreement that is best for the whole family.
Additionally, collaborative lawyers sign an agreement with you which, if the collaborative process breaks down, disqualifies them from representing you in court. Therefore, your lawyers will be absolutely committed to helping you come to the best settlement by agreement.