Family Law Solicitors North Yorkshire

Sadly divorce is generally traumatic for everyone going through the process and if you are in this situation you're most likely well aware of the sadness and strife it can cause. However, a fresh approach to divorce has been developed by similar thinking family law lawyers. Collaborative divorce is a non-confrontational, face-to-face system which is ideal for separating couples who are keen to try and preserve strong relationships. Divorce is a very sensitive issue and no one approach is appropriate for everyone, but collaborative divorce is forging ahead in decreasing negative outcomes to traditional divorce proceedings.

So what precisely does collaborative divorce mean? Collaborative divorce works on the principle that it is best for partners to meet, with their lawyer 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 on hand and the end result is divorce. The process of a collaborative divorce is begun with each party finding their own specially trained collaborative lawyer who will talk through the process and arrange an initial four-way meeting with the other partner. At the first four-way meeting, both sides will sign a Procedure Agreements in which each of them will decide not to go to the courtroom and to conduct future meetings in a constructive and non-confrontational way. 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 carried out in the intimidating environment of a courtroom.

There are numerous rewards to collaborative divorce and the system works well for most couples because it is based on the theory that it is not why couples divorce but how they divorce that leads to a breakdown in relationships. Because collaborative divorce discussions are conducted face-to-face rather than through phone calls and letters, proceedings are open and transparent with both parties promising to be honest. In addition, both sides cooperate to compile a list of issues which need to be resolved and these are worked on to come to a mutually beneficial solution. This is of great benefit particularly in cases where children are included. Collaborative divorces are likely 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 help of collaborative law, divorce isn't necessarily the heartbreaking and contentious process that it used to be. Collaborative divorce can give a great choice to partners who are divorcing but wish to avoid unnecessary confrontation and to deal with their conflicts in a neutral and constructive way. Collaborative law might not be for everyone but it is progressively becoming a valuable way of keeping the interests of children at the centre of proceedings and keeping legal costs to the bare minimum. So if you think that collaborative divorce is appropriate for you, why not contact a family law solicitor in North Yorkshire for tailor-made advice on your situation?