Family Law Solicitors Harrogate

Regrettably divorce is usually stressful for everyone involved and if you are in the same situation you're probably well aware of the sadness and upset it can cause. However, a fresh attitude to divorce has been formulated by similar thinking family law solicitors. Collaborative divorce is a non-confrontational, face-to-face system which is appropriate for divorcing couples who are eager to try and preserve strong relationships. Divorce is a very emotional problem and no single method is suitable for everybody, but collaborative divorce is leading the way in reducing adverse results to traditional divorce proceedings.

So what precisely does collaborative divorce mean? Collaborative divorce works on the formula that it is best for couples to communicate, with their solicitor present, in an amicable 'four-way meeting', rather than conduct their divorce proceedings in the court room. Collaborative divorce mustn't be confused with mediation though as unlike mediation lawyers are there and the finished result is divorce. The process of a collaborative divorce is begun with each party appointing their own specialist collaborative lawyer who will talk through the system and arrange an initial four-way meeting with the other partner. At the initial four-way meeting, both sides will sign a Procedure Agreements in which they will make a deal not to go to the courtroom and to hold future meetings in a worthwhile and non-confrontational manner. An agenda for future meetings is also drawn up in discussion with both sides. There is no time restriction for a collaborative divorce, unlike divorces which are carried out in the intimidating environment of a courtroom.

There are numerous benefits to collaborative divorce and the process works well for most partners because it is based on the principle that it is not why partners divorce but how they divorce that leads to a breakdown in relationships. Because collaborative divorce discussions are carried out face-to-face rather than through phone calls and letters, proceedings are honest and straightforward with both sides promising to be open. In addition, both sides work together to compile a list of things 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 kids are included. Collaborative divorces tend to be more successful in the long run as each understanding has been reached in collaboration, meaning that both parties are more likely to adhere to them.

With the support of collaborative law, divorce isn't necessarily the heartbreaking and divisive procedure that it used to be. Collaborative divorce can give a great option to partners who are divorcing but wish to prevent undesirable strife 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 preserving the interests of children at the heart of matters and keeping legal costs to an absolute minimum. So if you think that collaborative divorce is suitable for you, why not contact a family law solicitor in Harrogate for tailor-made guidance on your circumstances?