Family Law Solicitors Greater Manchester

Unhappily divorce is generally traumatic for everyone involved and if you are in the same situation you're most likely well aware of the sadness and upset it can cause. However, a new approach to divorce has been developed by similar thinking family law lawyers. Collaborative divorce is a non-confrontational, face-to-face process which is perfect for divorcing couples who are eager to try and maintain strong relationships. Divorce is a really sensitive issue and no single method is appropriate for all, but collaborative divorce is forging ahead in decreasing adverse outcomes to conventional divorce proceedings.

What is a collaborative divorce? A collaborative divorce is based on the assumption that it is valuable for couples to debate their differences, accompanied by their family law solicitor, during a 'four-way meeting', rather than in the threatening environment of a conventional court room. It's essential to note that collaborative divorce shouldn't be confused with mediation - mediation isn't a legal process and lawyers aren't on hand. The collaborative system starts with the couple going through the process appointing their own specialist collaborative lawyer who will consult with them to explain the system and organise the first four-way get-together. At this introductory meeting, both the parties involved will be asked to sign a Procedure Agreement, confirming that they will take part in meetings in a calm and constructive manner and promising that they will not take matters to court. A valuable benefit of the collaborative process is that it does not have a set time scale.

There are various benefits to collaborative divorce and the process works well for most couples because it is based on the principle that it is not why couples divorce but how they divorce that leads to a collapse in relationships. Because collaborative divorce discussions are conducted face-to-face rather than through phone calls and letters, matters are honest and transparent with both parties agreeing to be open. In addition, both sides cooperate to compile a list of things which need to be resolved and these are worked on to come to a mutually beneficial answer. This is of great benefit particularly in cases where children are involved. Collaborative divorces are inclined to be more successful in the long run as each understanding has been reached mutually, meaning that both parties are more likely to stand by to them.

With the support of collaborative law, divorce doesn't have to be the heartbreaking and divisive procedure that it used to be. Collaborative divorce can give a great option to couples who are separating but want to avoid unnecessary conflict and to deal with their differences in a neutral and helpful way. Collaborative law may not be for everybody however it is progressively becoming a valuable way of protecting the interests of children at the heart of matters and keeping legal costs to the bare minimum. So if you think that collaborative divorce is suitable for you, why not contact a family law solicitor in Greater Manchester for tailor-made help on your circumstances?