Family Law Solicitors Castleford

Unhappily divorce has a reputation for leading to heartbreak and families splitting up. However, collaborative family legislation is a relatively original method of carrying out divorce proceedings and is making great progress in improving the outcome of divorce. Developed by a team of similar thinking family law solicitors, collaborative divorce has been formulated around the theory that it is best for couples to discuss their grievances in a noncommittal and productive manner if they are to reach a good-natured answer. Whilst it is important to bear in mind that divorce is by its very nature really painful, the strain and upset can be significantly curtailed whilst by-passing the need for emotionally charged court proceedings.

So what exactly does collaborative divorce mean? Collaborative divorce works on the formula that it is better for partners to talk, with their solicitor present, in a non-confrontational 'four-way meeting', rather than carry out their divorce proceedings in the court room. Collaborative divorce mustn't be mixed up with mediation though as unlike mediation solicitors are present and the end result is divorce. The method of a collaborative divorce is begun with each party appointing their own specialist collaborative lawyer who will talk through the system and organize an initial four-way discussion with the other partner. At the initial four-way meeting, both sides will sign a Procedure Agreements in which they will decide not to go to court and to conduct future meetings in a constructive and non-confrontational manner. A plan for future discussions is also written up in discussion with both sides. There is no time limit for a collaborative divorce, unlike divorces which are conducted in the threatening environment of a courtroom.

There are various rewards to collaborative divorce and the system works well for most partners because it is based on the assumption that it is not why partners divorce but how they divorce that leads to a collapse in relationships. Because collaborative divorce meetings are carried out face-to-face rather than through phone calls and letters, matters are honest and up-front with both sides agreeing to be honest. In addition, both parties work together to compile a list of issues which need to be resolved and these are worked on to come to a mutually valuable answer. This is of great benefit particularly in cases where children are included. Collaborative divorces tend to be more successful in the long run as each understanding has been reached mutually, meaning that both parties are more likely to adhere to them.

So divorce doesn't necessarily have to be the upsetting and traumatic procedure that it used to be. For partners who are looking for a more amicable solution to their conflicts, collaborative divorce offers a choice. It can also be an excellent option for partners who are separating and need legal representation but want to avoid going to court. Collaborative family law solicitors are specialists in this area of legal practice and are able to help couples amicably resolve their differences through the use of collaboration rather than conflict. So if you are currently enmeshed in a divorce, why not contact one of the specialist family law lawyers in the Castleford district for help and advice?