Family Law Solicitors Chester

Unfortunately divorce is generally traumatic for those going through the process and if you are in the same situation you're doubtless well aware of the grief and upset it can cause. However, a new attitude to divorce has been formulated by similar thinking family law solicitors. Collaborative divorce is a non-confrontational, face-to-face system which is ideal for divorcing couples who are keen to try and maintain good relationships. Divorce is a really emotional problem and no single approach is suitable for everyone, but collaborative divorce is leading the way in decreasing detrimental findings to traditional divorce proceedings.

So what precisely does collaborative divorce mean? Collaborative divorce works on the principle that it is better for partners to meet, with their lawyer present, in an amicable 'four-way meeting', rather than conduct their divorce proceedings in the court room. Collaborative divorce mustn't be mixed up with mediation though as unlike mediation lawyers are there and the end result is divorce. The method of a collaborative divorce is begun with each person choosing their own specially trained collaborative solicitor who will talk through the system and organize an initial four-way meeting with the other partner. At the first four-way meeting, both parties will sign a Procedure Agreements in which each of them will decide not to go to court and to conduct future meetings in a helpful and non-confrontational way. A plan for future meetings is also drawn up in consultation with both parties. There is no time restriction for a collaborative divorce, unlike divorces which are conducted in the threatening surroundings of a courtroom.

There are various rewards to collaborative divorce and the system works well for most partners because it is centered on the theory that it is not why couples divorce but how they divorce that leads to a breakdown in relationships. Because collaborative divorce meetings are conducted face-to-face rather than through telephone calls and letters, proceedings are honest and up-front with both sides promising to be open. In addition, both parties work together to compile a list of things which need to be sorted out and these are worked on to come to a mutually valuable answer. This is of great benefit especially in cases where kids are included. Collaborative divorces are inclined to be more successful in the long run as each agreement has been reached mutually, meaning that both parties are more likely to adhere to them.

So divorce doesn't automatically have to be the unhappy and stressful process that it used to be. For couples who are hoping for a more good-natured solution to their conflicts, collaborative divorce offers a solution. It can also be an excellent solution for partners who are divorcing and need legal representation but would like to keep clear of going to court. Collaborative family law lawyers are specialists in this area of legal process and can help partners amicably find a solution to their differences through collaboration rather than conflict. So if you are presently involved in a divorce, why not contact one of the specially trained family law lawyers in the Chester area for help and advice?