Divorce and the Collaborative Approach

Collaborative Law is a relatively new approach to Divorce aimed at helping separating or divorcing couples. I trained as a Collaborative Lawyer because the Collaborative approach to Family Law made a lot of sense to me and many clients agree.

The Collaborative approach is not for every couple who decide to split but it is certainly worth considering because of the impact that it can have on everyone involved, particularly any children. Collaborative practice is a client centred approach which focuses on finding solutions to problems created by the breakdown of a relationship, for example sorting out financial matters or arrangements for the children. It seeks to promote the long term interests of both parties and assists couples to work towards an agreed settlement without having to fight things out at court.

It differs from Mediation because each client has their own specially trained collaborative lawyer to act on their behalf. Rather than engaging in correspondence with each other the lawyers and their clients deal with matters face to face at meetings. The meetings are generally far more productive and les inflammatory than solicitors correspondence passing backwards and forwards. At the meetings the couple, with the assistance of their lawyers, identify the issues to be resolved and then talk over possible solutions with a view to negotiating an agreement which takes into account everybody’s needs, including any children. To succeed the process requires good faith on all sides but can result in a quicker and cheaper legal solution than heading off to court to engage in costly and stressful court proceedings.

Divorce and separation, in whatever form you choose to proceed can be a painful process for all concerned but the Collaborative approach provides a greater chance of reaching a solution which takes into account the needs of everyone affected.

Find out more information here  https://www.resolution.org.uk/editorial.asp?page_id=53

About Alison Whistler

Alison has over 15 years of experience in dealing with Matrimonial and Family matters. Her work predominantly involves dealing with legal issues that can arise following a relationship breakdown such as divorce and separation, related financial issues and related disputes about children. She also deals with the drafting of pre-nuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements, adoption and domestic violence issues. She is an accredited member of Resolution, an organization promoting the amicable resolution of matrimonial disputes and is qualified as a member of the Law Society’s prestigious Family Law Panel. In addition Alison is a trained Collaborative Lawyer. Alison is married with 2 daughters and when not spending time with her family enjoys travelling both at home and abroad, cookery and horse riding.

Contact Details:

Alison Whistler

Parfitt Cresswell Solicitors, 17-21 Victoria Street, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1HE

Tel 01753 271640

Email: [email protected] Web: www.parfittcresswell.com 

Twitter: @alison_whistler @PCsolicitors

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