Alternatives to Court
It is understandable for couples to have worries about how to go unravelling their relationship. There are many things to think about without having to concerns over questions about whether lawyers really will listen and understand. It is sometimes unfairly said that in divorce and separation lawyers make matters worse, not better. This could not be further from the truth. We will help you find another way. If you want to seek a constructive and less acrimonious separation, put your family first. Call a FIRSTFAMILY team member. We can help to reach the best solution.
Collaborative law
The Collaborative Law process is designed to allow the separating couple and their Collaborative Lawyers to find a solution together to whatever issues have arisen. Its core values are to behave in a dignified and respectful way, having regard to what is in the best interests of the couple’s family.
Collaborative Law gives the couple a greater degree of influence over the outcome and more control over their futures. It explores different options and considers alternative outcomes. This means that the process is not restricted to what the Court would do or what individual legal rights apply. As a result the solutions that are reached in Collaborative Law tend to be more individual, imaginative and tailored to the needs of the individuals involved.
The discussions take place in a series of meetings between the couple and their lawyers. Correspondence is kept to a minimum. This often means a much quicker solution than can be achieved through the Courts. As part of a Collaborative Law case everyone, including the Lawyers agree not to make, or even threaten to make, any applications to the Court. If anyone does so the Collaborative Process stops immediately.
The Collaborative Lawyers are prevented from representing either party in the Court proceedings. The couple must find new solicitors to deal with the Court application. The prohibition on resorting to or threatening Court proceedings is an incentive to ensure that an agreement is reached. The collaborative law route is about getting the right outcome for your family as a whole rather than negotiating for the most you can get regardless of the consequences.
If you want to seek a constructive and less acrimonious separation, put your family first. Call a FIRSTFAMILY team member. We can help to reach the best solution.
Mediation
Mediation is a structured process through which disputing couples attempt to find their own solution with the help of a trained mediator. Mediation is usually much cheaper and quicker than court litigation. It is flexible and informal. The aim is to assist couples in reaching a fair and sensible resolution without the cost and stress of Court.
From 6 April 2011 it became compulsory for couples seeking a divorce or separation to attend a mediation assessment meeting to see whether mediation can resolve matters without court hearings.
If you want to seek a constructive and less acrimonious separation, put your family first. Call a FIRSTFAMILY team member. We can help to reach the best solution.
