Family Law Hull

Collaborative family law is a fairly recent divorce procedure which has been formulated over recent years and is designed to try to take away some of the strain and strife that often surrounds the process. Divorce is well-known for having a hugely negative blow on families, especially any children involved, so like-minded solicitors started to work together and establish a more informal method. Collaborative family legislation is almost always used to sort out disputes that can arise around common legal problems surrounding divorce, separation or civil partnerships. The fundamental approach of collaborative family law is to stay clear of falling back on the courts, overcoming conflicts between the parties through the use of collaboration and mediation.

Collaborative family solicitors have long been convinced that a different attitude to divorce and separation was required. It is generally recognised that, unhappily, separation and divorce usually leads to the parties involved finding the episode very trying and traumatic. Collaborative family lawyers had come to understand that lots of couples, in spite of their differences, wanted to make the process as amicable as possible to minimise the impact on their families. Taking divorce to court can often bring out the worst in people and has the effect of increasing any misunderstandings. Therefore, collaborative family solicitors have developed a new system, focused around face-to-face discussion and mediation, to encourage those going through the process to reach a resolution that will benefit both parties. Collaborative family lawyers know that separating couples are more likely to reach a beneficial, long-standing solution if they have been given the scope to work together.

So how does the collaborative family method work? After both parties have agreed that they would like to go down the collaborative route, they'll generally start by meeting with their solicitors to discuss the whole idea and to discover more about what's involved. Collaborative meetings are best described as 'four-way' meetings; both sides sit down and talk, aided by their respective lawyers. The first discussion will usually consist of both parties formally agreeing to take part in the collaborative method and signing a contract to reinforce their decision. A crucial factor in collaborative divorce is that both parties must agree to act with candour and to respect any opinions or differences that the other may convey. The first meeting generally includes discussion of how to advance and to draw up an agenda of issues to debate at subsequent meetings. It's essential to keep in mind that a key part of collaborative divorce is that both couples must agree that their face-to-face discussions are non-confrontational as this is clearly the key to making the method less stressful than a stereotypical courtroom divorce.

The benefits of collaborative family legislation are broadly accepted. With the understanding that they follow the process, parties included can expect to iron out their differences whilst maintaining favourable family connections and giving them lasting control over their own futures. Collaborative law practices, with the assistance of additional professionals such as accountants, relationships coaches and independent financial advisers, are experts in helping families to find swift solutions through a team centered approach. So the benefits of the collaborative family law method has many clear virtues over the traditional; precedence is given to children, the dignity and self-respect of both parties is maintained, and the face-to-face discussion process allows for full revealment of all the facts and information. For further information on collaborative practice, why not contact one of the family law firms in the Hull area?