Divorce Solicitors West Yorkshire

Regrettably divorce has a well-deserved name for taking a great toll on family life. On the other hand, a relatively brand-new type of divorce law, called collaborative family law, is making excellent advances in lowering the confrontation and stress that is frequently part of the process. Divorce is for the most part the conclusion of a long-drawn-out, acrimonious struggle within couples who have often spent years arguing and have failed to resolve their differences. If a couple has the chance to hesitate and keep in mind a more amicable method, then collaborative divorce can be the ideal solution. Collaborative divorce offers couples the opportunity to take stock of the circumstances and end up with their pride and self-esteem all in one piece.

The collaborative practice focuses around 'four-way' discussions or meetings and on both sides agreeing to avoid the courts - this is crucial to the process and it is requested that couples sign an agreement to this affect. The method begins around each side selecting their own specialist collaborative lawyer, an initial four way discussion will then take place at which both parties has to sign a Participation Agreement. Collaborative family law focuses on the mutual agreement that all discussions must be conducted in a helpful way, with both sides respecting the feelings of the other. It's crucial that couples who decide to embark on a collaborative divorce realise that grievances may need to be expressed in order to arrive at a shared compromise. An additional bonus of the four way discussions is the ensuing candour of proceedings and the cutback in disagreements.

When thinking about collaborative divorce, it's important that couples appreciate that it is distinct from mediation in that solicitors are on hand and the method takes proceedings towards an end result. However, if divorce seems to be the only option, then the collaborative method can be an effective way of averting disagreements which is particularly valuable where children are included. Collaborative divorce lawyers have long recognised that it is almost always much easier for couples to reach a quick and friendly completion if the proceedings are transparent and open. This is achieved in the collaborative process through the use of the four way discussions. Each side has the chance to talk with their divorce lawyer in private before the meeting but the meeting itself must be a forum for clear and frank talks.

The many benefits of collaborative family law over long-established court-based divorces are becoming widely recognised. This new method often means that argumentative and belligerent meetings are avoided, children are put first and foremost, legal fees don't include court costs and the divorcing couple have far more control over proceedings. Subsequently and most importantly, a collaborative divorce usually leaves couples with their relationships with family, friends and children intact. If you would like to find out more about collaborative family law, why not contact one of the divorce solicitors West Yorkshire wide.