Divorce Solicitors Sunderland

Regrettably divorce has a well-deserved name for taking a huge toll on family life. However, a relatively brand-new form of divorce law, called collaborative family law, is making great progress in reducing the confrontation and stress that is frequently involved. Divorce is frequently the aftermath of a long-drawn-out, acrimonious fight between couples who may have spent years fighting and have failed to resolve their disagreements. If a couple is able to take a step back and contemplate a more friendly method, then collaborative divorce can be the perfect solution. Collaborative divorce offers couples the opportunity to consider the situation and end up with their pride and self-esteem intact.

The collaborative process is focused around 'four-way' talks or meetings and on both parties agreeing to avoid the courtroom - this is crucial to the whole process and couples are asked to sign an agreement to this affect. The method begins around each partner finding their own specialist collaborative lawyer, an inaugural four way meeting will then take place at which all parties has to sign a Participation Agreement. Collaborative family law centres on the shared understanding that all discussions must be carried out in a worthwhile way, with each party respecting the opinions of the other. It's crucial that couples who decide to embark on a collaborative divorce recognise that differences often need to be voiced in order to arrive at a joint agreement. An additional bonus of the four way meetings is the ensuing honesty of proceedings and the reduction in arguments.

If considering a collaborative divorce, it's very important to understand that the system is different to mediation or counselling. Solicitors are present and are consulted throughout, leading the process to an end result. Mediation should always be the first step, but if it doesn't work then a collaborative divorce can be an excellent way to avoid unnecessary confrontation which is especially important if children are part of the process. Divorce solicitors specialising in the collaborative method have concluded that it is frequently easier for couples to come to an understanding if their divorce proceedings are frank and conducted with candour. The collaborative process manages this through the four way meetings; even though each party has the opportunity to meet their solicitor in private, the meeting itself must be a medium for truthful and helpful dialogue.

The many advantages of collaborative family law over long-established court-based divorces are becoming extensively accepted. This recent method generally means that confrontational and aggressive meetings are avoided, children are put first and foremost, legal fees don't include costly court fees and the divorcing couple have greater control over matters. Finally and most importantly, a collaborative divorce tends to leave couples with their relationships with family, friends and children intact. If you are interested in finding out more about collaborative family law, why not contact one of the divorce solicitors Sunderland has to offer.