10 REASONS TO USE A COLLABORATIVE LAWYER
If you’re considering a collaborative approach to your separation, we’ve outlined ten key benefits:
1. Time saving
Round table conversations are at the heart of collaborative divorce and separation. The benefit? The process takes considerably less time than back-and-forth communication solely between lawyers and drawn-out court proceedings.
2. Cost-effective
As the collaborative separation process is quicker and more streamlined than going to court, the cost is generally less than traditional processes.
3. Kinder
In many cases, divorce and separation doesn’t need to be confrontational and stressful. Using the collaborative approach, discussions are compassionate, respectful and productive for a quicker, money-saving resolution.
4. Healthier long-term relationships
Many couples want an amicable separation, where they can remain on good terms for the wellbeing of children or other family members. The collaborative approach allows this to happen through effective communication and shared goals.
5. Holistic
The collaborative approach focuses on communication and problem solving with a wider view of a couple’s separation – material assets, relationships and future finances to name a few. By avoiding a blinkered outlook, both parties are able to move forward amicably with every physical and emotional aspect considered.
6. Flexible
The collaborative approach to divorce and separation allows more freedom and creativity in solutions. This could be anything from covering day-to-day arrangements, formal agreements and pace of proceedings.
7. Transparent
Collaborative lawyers’ conversations take place in-person in a neutral environment, with both parties openly discussing every aspect of their separation on a without prejudice basis. This simple, clear approach ensures details are transparent and finer points can be agreed in-person.
8. Tailor made
Every separation is different, from dependents, family dynamics, finances and division of assets. Collaborative practice creates an environment for a bespoke solution, with both parties retaining the ability to find solutions themselves rather than having strict orders imposed on them by the courts which may not be what they would have wanted.
9. Private
By using a collaborative lawyer for your divorce, the circumstances and details of your separation remain completely confidential. During contested court proceedings, hearing can be reported on by the media and published judgments are not always anonymised.
10. Multidisciplinary
Financial experts, independent mediators and relationship specialists can all join collaborative separation meetings to provide additional support and resolve challenges alongside the formal legal proceedings.