Family Law Solicitors Stockport

Sadly divorce has a reputation for leading to heartbreak and families splitting up. On the other hand, collaborative family legislation is a fairly recent method of carrying out divorce proceedings and is making great headway in improving the outcome of divorce. Formulated by a team of like-minded family law solicitors, collaborative divorce has been developed around the theory that it is better for partners to talk over their grievances in a calm and worthwhile manner if they are to bring about an amicable solution. Whilst it is essential to remember that divorce is by its very nature incredibly distressing, the tension and upset can be considerably curtailed whilst avoiding the need for emotionally charged court proceedings.

So what exactly does collaborative divorce mean? Collaborative divorce works on the principle that it is better for couples to meet, 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 lawyers are on hand and the finished result is divorce. The method of a collaborative divorce is begun with each person choosing their own specialist collaborative lawyer who will talk through the process and organize an initial four-way discussion 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 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 threatening surroundings of a courtroom.

There are various benefits to collaborative divorce and the process works well for most couples because it is centered on the theory that it is not why partners divorce but how they divorce that leads to a breakdown in relationships. Because collaborative divorce meetings are carried out face-to-face rather than through telephone calls and letters, proceedings are honest and straightforward with both parties agreeing to be open. In addition, both parties work together to compile a list of issues which need to be sorted out and these are worked on to come to a mutually constructive answer. This is of great benefit especially in cases where children are involved. 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 stand by to them.

With the assistance of collaborative law, divorce doesn't have to be the heartbreaking and contentious process that it used to be. Collaborative divorce can give a great solution to partners who are separating but wish to avert undesirable strife and to deal with their differences in a calm and constructive way. Collaborative law may not be for everyone but it is increasingly becoming a valuable method of keeping the interests of children at the heart of proceedings and keeping legal costs to an absolute minimum. So if you think that collaborative divorce is suitable for you, why not get in touch with a family law solicitor in Stockport for tailor-made guidance on your circumstances?