So, what are the benefits of adopting the Collaborative approach?

• You set the agenda, and you make the decisions.
• The pain of the separation is not increased by the legal process – there will be no unpleasant solicitors letters going back and forth.
• The costs will generally be significantly less than going to court.
• It may be more expensive than mediation, but you will have the support of your own lawyer and other professional advisers as and when you need them, throughout the process.
• Your lawyer will be by your side to advise and support you throughout the process.
• When the threat of court is removed, some of the fear is lifted and you can think more clearly.
• It’s your agenda – so you talk about the things that matter to you most.
• You set the pace and you are not working to court timetables. Most times only a couple of meetings are needed, in other cases it could be three, four or five meetings. You will decide how frequently and how many meetings happen.
• You maintain some direct contact with your former partner. That way, you have the best chance of understanding each other, and finding the right solutions.
  Remember, if children are involved, you will both remain parents, and it will help your children to cope better with your separation if they see that you are able to agree the arrangements for them and for the future.
• When specialist advice or support is needed, a single ‘fifth’ neutral can be brought into the process. Their advice is shared directly and openly within a meeting; questions can be raised directly and the possibility of misunderstanding, misinformation and conflicting advice is substantially reduced.
• You will avoid court and the delays, uncertainty, stress and animosity that usually go with it.

We hope you agree, the Collaborative Family Law process is an altogether different approach to deciding future family arrangements on separation or divorce.

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