collaborative law

What is 'Resolution Together'?
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What is ‘Resolution Together’?

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Emma Alfieri
Emma Alfieri
Legal Director
Greene & Greene Solicitors

Resolution Together is a new way for separating couples, and for parents who are in dispute about the care of their child, to obtain advice from a single legal professional.

This new way of working follows the implementation of the Divorce Dissolution and Separation Act which allowed couples, for the first time, to make joint applications to end a marriage collectively.  As a result, Resolution has developed a new approach to help separating couples. Resolution is a community of family justice professionals who work with families and individuals to resolve issues in a constructive way.

The service is suitable for those whose joint aim is to reach an outcome that meets their needs and, if they are parents, the needs of their children. A key feature is that individuals must give their informed consent to disclosing all the relevant factual and financial information required in order to reach their decisions together, to one another and the legal professional who will be advising and guiding them towards their final outcome. The legal professional who works with the couple will not be acting for either party individually, and also the legal professional may not represent either or both in communications with the Court, other than where it has been agreed that the Legal Professional will file any draft Order with the Court on their behalf.

Some of the principles relating to Resolution Together are closely aligned to other dispute resolution approaches, such as Mediation. However, the difference is that Resolution Together provides an advice based service where both clients are able to receive advice, including legal advice on a jointly beneficial basis.

Generally, couples that choose Resolution Together will not be in a dispute, or have a “conflict”. Couples do not have to be in agreement about everything, but need to be willing to consider options and not have entrenched positions. A willingness to work hard towards finding an agreed outcome is key.

The ultimate aim is that the parties taking part in Resolution Together will reach a decision that will be recorded in a draft Order, and a legal professional will assist them to obtain an approved Order.

Read more articles by Emma Alfieri.

About Emma Alfieri

Emma Alfieri is a Legal Director at Suffolk firm Greene & Greene Solicitors.

Emma advises on all aspects of family law, including divorce and associated financial matters, disputes between cohabitants and child related disputes.

A member of Resolution, Emma is committed to resolving disputes as positively and agreeably as possible whilst also being motivated to obtain the best possible outcome for her clients.

Since 2012 Emma has been consistently recommended by the Legal 500 on an annual basis and in the most recent 2024 edition Emma is ranked as a “rising star”.

As an advocate of fault free divorce, Emma lobbied at Parliament with other members of Resolution in 2016 to bring about the recent changes to divorce law.

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Navigating Divorce with Grace: Insights into Collaborative Law

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Embarking on the journey of divorce or separation can be daunting, but there are alternative methods to traditional litigation that prioritise cooperation and mutual agreement. In this exclusive Q&A session, we sit down with Charlotte Bradley, an esteemed expert from Kingsley Napley, to delve into the world of Collaborative Law.

Discover insights, tips, and invaluable advice on how Collaborative Law can pave the way for amicable resolutions and a smoother transition during challenging times.

What is collaborative law/practice?

Collaborative family law (or practice) is a way in which a separating couple can, on a consensual basis, resolve issues without court proceedings.  You, your former partner/spouse and your respective lawyers all work together to resolve the various matters arising from separation, including the financial issues and the arrangements for any children.

How does it work?

Each client appoints a collaborative lawyer and the couple and their lawyers then consider the issues which should be addressed, and also which professionals to involve, for example a child specialist to consider the child arrangements, counsellors to support the parties and a financial professional to help with future financial planning. The lawyers and clients sign an agreement in which they all agree not to go to court and instead there is a series of meetings in which a transparent and open dialogue is encouraged. While each lawyer is representing their respective client, the professionals and the couple strive to work together as a team, with the joint aim of avoiding court proceedings. If either party decides they must go to court to obtain a final decision, then each of the couple need to instruct new lawyers.

How does it differ from other ADR options (such as mediation)?

Mediation uses a similar model of face to face meetings, but a mediator is not representing either of the couple. Although they can provide lots of information about options (the court process etc), the mediator is unable to advise on the likely outcome of any proposed settlement. For most family mediation, lawyers tend not to be in attendance (although increasingly, hybrid mediation where the lawyers are in attendance is becoming more common). Some individuals prefer the support of having a lawyer with them in meetings to help discuss and negotiate the various issues as happens in collaborative law.

What are the advantages?

Each client has the support of their trained collaborative lawyer who contracts with the couple to act in a constructive way and are encouraged to put all the family’s (including any children’s interests) at the forefront. For clients who feel insecure about attending mediation without their lawyer next to them (for example if there is a significant disparity in financial knowledge or bargaining power), collaborative law can be a good option as they can seek advice and support throughout albeit the advice that their lawyer gives is more transparent and negotiations should be less polarised than in the traditional court model. The possibility of counselling input and expert assistance around the children’s needs is actively encouraged. The flexibility of the process also enables other professionals to be brought in when needed, for example it is not unusual to bring in a financial planner and other professionals to help consider the future finances for the family including cash flow modelling, options around pensions etc.

What are the downsides?

Collaborative law is not suitable for everyone, and best serves couples who show a commitment to finding a solution to the various issues themselves but with legal support and advice. It is also only suitable for those who expect to give full and frank disclosure about their respective financial positions and other circumstances. Sometimes, if one of the couple wishes to delay the divorce (for example they intentionally postpone meetings etc), the collaborative process can be slow and costs can increase so careful managing of the process is required (and the lawyers and the couple need to be confident that the process is right for them before signing up). The collaborative agreement, requiring couples to change lawyers if the process breaks down and they want to go to court, can sometimes concern potential clients but that disqualification clause is important to encourage the couple and their lawyers to have the right solution focused mindset, to enable non-polarised negotiation and to resolve the issues.

Do you still have to go to court at the end?

No one needs to attend court and if agreement is reached, the collaborative lawyers can transfer the financial agreement into a draft consent order which is lodged at court (with financial summaries) for the judge to approve. It is also common in collaborative law (as it is in mediation) for the couple to prepare and sign a parenting plan setting out the arrangements for the children (although that is not routinely lodged at court).

How long does it take and how much does it cost?

Both answers depend on the issues to be resolved and how engaged the couple (and their lawyers) are to reaching a resolution. If they are committed to the process, and regular ‘four way’ meetings are diarised without delay in between, then collaborative law can be very quick as there is no court timetable applying. Or sometimes one or both of the couple can take time to come to terms with the breakdown of the marriage and resolve the various issues and need more time between four way meetings to reflect and to take advice from their collaborative lawyer. As to costs, they can vary depending on the amount of meetings and how complicated the issues are as the costs will depend on the amount of time the two lawyers spend on the collaborative case (typically based on their hourly rates). It can often be cheaper if the couple bring other professionals to assist on key areas (eg on the child arrangements or for cash flow modelling).

What else can it be used for (eg pre-nups)?

Collaborative law is very flexible and can be used in all areas of potential family dispute. It is particularly effective when couples are discussing the terms of a prenuptial or cohabitation agreement – so that each of them are having clear and transparent discussions with shared professional advice about their future plans and intentions, critical in my experience as different approaches on money and children can cause problems in a marriage or long- term relationship.

Is it a US import? What has changed in the last 20 years in the way it is used here?

So I did the first training in Europe just over 20 years ago (collaborative law having first started in the US and Canada), and with others, helped establish collaborative practice in the UK. What has changed is that we are more aware of the need to bring in non- legal professionals into the collaborative process (eg child specialists and counsellors) to really focus on the solutions for families on separation, with the law being only one small part.

How does it fit with clogged family courts, no-fault divorce, and other modern family law /societal trends?

Collaborative law is one of the now established methods of non-court resolution and, along with other non-court processes (like mediation) is actively encouraged by the government and the judiciary. Following the introduction of no-fault divorce two years ago to help reduce conflict between divorcing couples, there is strong encouragement for couples to resolve their differences without attending court, to reduce cost, the pressure on the court system and also to help avoid the effects of conflict on children which can be caused by long legal battles. And as new court rules come into law on 29 April 2024 to ensure that all couples consider non-court options such as mediation and collaborative law, collaborative practice is likely to be something that becomes of more interest to separating couples in the years to come.

Read more articles by Kingsley Napley.

About Charlotte Bradley

Charlotte Bradley is a Consultant and former head of the Family team at Kingsley Napley LLP. She advises on all aspects of family law, particularly issues to do with finances and children. She is author of the respected legal textbook on Schedule 1 cases. She is also an accredited mediator and collaborative lawyer, often working with high profile and high net worth couples keen to resolve their separation in private.

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Going Through a Divorce? What you Need to Know about Collaborative Divorce

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Vanessa Fox
Vanessa Fox Partner and Head of Family Law hlw Keeble Hawson

What is Collaborative Divorce?

This is an alternate dispute resolution that brings both parties and both of their solicitors into the same room in a series of four-way meetings.

The approach is to achieve an agreed solution to family difficulties out of court and agree arrangements for children and finances amicably

The process means that you see and speak to your former partner and his or her lawyer, which helps to build understanding and achieve the outcome that suits you both best.

In the room, lawyers who have been specifically trained and accredited by Resolution, the family lawyer organisation, work with both of you to reach the right solutions for you and your family.

You will still have your own independent legal team with you – and you and your former partner remain in control of the process and the agenda.

What are the Benefits of using the Collaborative Divorce Process?

Collaborative process is designed to be less combative and protracted, with all involved undertaking to reach an agreement without a court battle, avoiding what can be an enormously stressful, intimidating and costly experience.

Unlike the court system, this process takes place in private, at venues where both parties feel comfortable.

The four-way meetings allow you to work things out together, expressing your viewpoint to your ex-partner, rather than filtering it through lawyers by letter or phone. This produces much quicker responses – and the family lawyers help keep your interactions as constructive and helpful as possible, while supporting you and identifying options with you.

Throughout the sessions, your priorities and concerns will be paramount, as you move towards an agreement at a speed dictated by you, not a court timetable.

A key benefit of this process is that the lawyers sign the participation agreement themselves and thus commit themselves to the success of the process.

As such, they can minimise difficulties and prevent breakdowns in the negotiations, working together to create better understanding between couples. This in turn will reduce the chances of lingering bitterness, which is better for any children involved.

What does this Process Entail? How does it Work?

Collaborative process involves a series of four-way meetings supported by an agreement to avoid taking disputed issues to litigation, which ensures everyone is focused on agreement, not conflict. A commitment to reaching a fair solution for all the family (rather than simply “winning”) is the key.

The final agreement is converted into an agreed court order; a result created by the lawyers and ex-partners together that provides the best chance for a better long-term relationship.

Resolution is often achieved quicker and more creatively in this process rather than a court-imposed timetable and outcome. The couple concerned remain in control of their futures, rather than leaving a stranger (the judge) to decide for them.

Vanessa Fox, marks 25 years as head of the firm’s family law department in 2016.

Collaboratively trained and a qualified mediator, she has modernised South Yorkshire Resolution since becoming chair in 2013 and is also a member of the Law Society’s Family Law Panel and the Children Panel.

Visit www.hlwkeeblehawson.co.uk for more information.

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Free Divorce Advice – Choosing a Solicitor

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Ann Corrigan founder of Clarity Family Law
Ann Corrigan founder of Clarity Family Law

Another question answered by Ann Corrigan of Clarity Family Law.

There will be more to follow so keep a good look out.

How do go about choosing a solicitor – there are so many out there?

Don’t just opt for the first family lawyer you come across, shop around. Particularly if your case is not straightforward, look for a firm that specialises in family law – which means they only deal with family law matters and will be more experienced in dealing with these matters.

Once you’ve made that first appointment to see your solicitor, jot down a list of questions you have. Don’t be afraid if your questions seem trivial; family lawyers understand how difficult it is.

Solicitors have a duty at the beginning to give you an estimate of how long it will take and how much it will cost and also to keep you updated as the case proceeds. Make sure this happens.

Establish whether you have a rapport with the person. You’re going to spend a bit of time with the lawyer, particularly if the divorce goes to court, so ensure it’s someone who treats you with respect and empathy.

DIY divorce kits or online solutions may seem like a good idea, but beware these solutions may be offered by people who are not necessarily qualified to deal with your situation. Beware of sites that offer divorce documents at a charge as all divorce documents are available free of charge from your local court or the Court Service website.

Ann Corrigan is founder of Clarity Family Law, a specialist family law firm in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, offering discreet, expert advice on all aspects of divorce, including the division of high value assets, children disputes and issues surrounding unmarried families.

Follow Ann on Twitter – @ClarityFamily

 

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Divorce Mediation vs Collaborative Law

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Suzy Miller www.thedivorcemagazine.co.ukInterview by Alternative Divorce Guide Suzy Miller with Mediator and Collaborative Lawyer Kim Beatson of Anthony Gold Solicitors

 

What is the best way to go through divorce?

As the Alternative Divorce Guide I often get asked if my role is to guide people back into their marriage, and away from divorce.  I explain patiently each time that people need to be allowed to make their own decisions about whether they divorce or not – all I do is to wave the flag for doing it in a way that doesn’t destroy their family, even though that family is now changing it’s form.

Collaborative Divorce and Divorce Mediation are both roads that lead away from the courtroom, but some may see them as in competition.  One includes lawyers by the sides of the divorcing couple, and the other relies on an impartial Mediator (sometimes more than one) helping the couple to create their own settlement and plan a new future.

Mediator and Collaborative Lawyer Kim Beatson of Anthony Gold Solicitors is experienced in supporting couples through divorce, and knows that the choice of dispute resolution method is a very personal one:

“I would say to anyone: ‘Here is my options leaflet, giving you the choices of Mediation, Collaborative Law, lawyer-led mediation or the court system. It’s your choice. Think about those options carefully.’”

 

Why don’t people know more about it?

What continually shocks me is that so few members of the public have ever heard of Collaborative Law, let alone know what it means.  Kim explained to me why this is the case:

family mediation vs collaborative law
Kim Beaston

“Mediation awareness was funded by the government for a time, and Divorce Mediation has been around in the UK since the mid 80’s. Collaborative law has only been around in the UK since 2003.  The main people who have to take responsibility for the fact that the public are mostly unaware of Collaborative Law, are the lawyers. Most clients still come to lawyers as the gate keeper, and the onus is on the person taking those initial telephone calls and making those appointments to let them know that court is the last resort, and that there are preferred resolution options.  That is what I am trying to make sure happens in my own practice at Anthony Gold Solicitors.”

 

What happens if you’re not legally married?

Having gone through family change having not been legally married, I am fully aware of the lack of legal rights for cohabiting couples to protect them if the relationship fails.  This is why I am so persistent in spreading the word of dispute resolution, as a court-based approach is even more unsatisfactory for such couples as it is for those who are legally married.

With the increase in people not getting married and then breaking up post-children, I asked Kim why those couples need to become more aware of the choices open to them:

“Dispute resolution processes, whether Mediation or Collaborative, can be very useful for couples who separate having been cohabiting and who are not legally married. In this country people do not always realise that they have few rights for themselves which can be very unfair after a long relationship with children, with career and pension sacrifices.

So Mediation and Collaborative Law are perfect forums for dissolving that sort of relationship because the importance for both parties is that they are bringing their idea of fairness to the table.  They are not trying to emulate the court system and the uncertain outcome that could be achieved.  They are able to set the agenda and create their own solution to their family dispute.”

 

Does Dispute Resolution make business sense for law firms?

A phrase I often hear is: “Ah, well, law firms don’t want to encourage Mediation and Collaborative Law because they make more money from adversarial processes”.  However, I personally believe such views are very short-sighted, and I brought this question up during my interview with Kim: “I think there is a sound business model for all forms of dispute resolution.  It’s good for the client, but ensures a good cash flow for the professionals as it’s so much quicker than remuneration from court-based cases.

So there is every reason for regarding it as a complementary practice, and it creates a much more authentic solicitor-client relationship if you are not only able to offer clients the most expensive option – that of going to court.”

 

What does the future hold for dispute resolution?

My own belief that lawyers are going to lose their status as the gatekeepers to divorce is not always a popular one with divorce solicitors, but Kim had some thoughtful insights into how Dispute Resolution is evolving in the UK:

“I think this government has missed an opportunity with Mediation with no further funding to support the encouragement for clients to use MIAMS.  Solicitors and all family law professionals are responsible for getting the word out there for all forms of dispute resolution, and for encouraging the client to access them. It is an accident that family lawyers are dealing with finance and parenting arrangements during family breakdown.  So we have to be quite humble about the power of our roles. Research does show that clients prefer independent financial advice and having their own independent lawyer.

But I think there will be a day when couples enter the separation process through a variety of services and that family lawyers really should not to take it for granted that they are necessarily the best person to deal with every aspect of the divorce process, or that they should be the natural gatekeepers to divorce.”  

 

Kim Beatson: Mediator & Collaborative Lawyer

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Collaborative Law Explained

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Family Mediation
Austin Chessell

Each person who has decided to separate or divorce in the Collaborative Law process has their own solicitor where meetings take place in the same room with the aim of resolving everything face to face.

I find this works better than correspondence and allows the process to cover a lot more ground rather than waiting for a response to a letter.

Each person and the lawyers sign an agreement with one of the important things being that a financial application will not be made to court. Common matters can include children, finances, relocation or all of these matters.


Collaborative Law Explained?

Once each person has instructed a Collaborative Lawyer there will usually be around 4-5 meetings to discuss the issues ‘around the table.’

Legal advice can be given to the parties during this process.

For Collaborative Law to work everyone needs to work towards reaching an agreement on the matters that have been raised and also agree for court proceedings not to be issued.

If an agreement is reached this can be drafted into a court order.

Collaborative law
Collaborative Law has a high success rate

What can you discuss in Collaborative Law?

  • How to separate in a dignified way that will not destroy the family
  • When to tell the children about the separation
  • Your views on the separation and the other persons view
  • Aim to rebuild communication that make have broken down
  • Legal aid
  • Emotions – In this situation a Family Consultant would usually be part of the
  • Is the family home to be sold or will someone and the children remain
  • Relocation internal and
  • Who and when each parent will care for the children and how to co-parent even though the family is
  • Agreeing a financial outcome that looks at the families interests rather than focussing on positions

 

Other Collaborative Experts

In some cases other professionals work with me. I commonly work with other Mediators, Accountants, Independent Financial Advisors and Divorce Coaches where clients feel this will help the Collaborative Process.

 

Does Collaborative Law Work?

Yes Collaborative Law has a high success rate when separating couples come to the meetings when they discuss possible options and outcomes by being prepared to express and listen to the other persons views in an open and free forum.

 

Austin Chessell is a Collaborative Family Lawyer at Shortlands (www.shortlands.co.uk) and Family Mediator at FAMIA (www.famia.co.uk)

Email: achessell@shortlands.co.uk
Tel: 0207 629 9905
Twitter: @FamilyLawLondon

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losing your identity post-divorce

Losing Your Identity Post-divorce

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Women and Divorce
Wendi Schuller Author of The Global Guide to Divorce

When one’s identity was wrapped around the ex, such as being a doctor’s wife, it is especially challenging to reinvent oneself post-divorce.

Suddenly the role of being the social director for the office staff and charming sidekick at far flung medical conferences is gone. If you owned a business together, you may lose your job in the divorce, particularly if your wife was the solicitor in the law practice and you had another role.

In a divorce, the stay-at-home spouse or one to leave the family business, may get a lump sum for job training.

A new trend in collaborative divorce is to bring a career coach on board to determine how much it would cost to get this career training. Or the career coach may assist in determining alimony if one spouse did not work and now has to start over in the job market.

Mary was married to a plastic surgeon and enjoyed the perks that went along with being a doctor’s wife.

They entertained, went to extravagant parties and took some nice trips.  She appreciated being able to stay home with their children. Mary was in a devastating car accident and underwent months of rehab therapy.

During this time her husband began an affair with his secretary and filed for a divorce before Mary was completely recovered. Mary was blindsided by this and stated that being a doctor’s wife and stay-at-home mum was her whole life.

It took a bit of adjusting not to be part of the medical community anymore and have to seek a part-time job. Mary also changed her volunteer venue from the hospital to another one, in order to avoid her ex and was happier with her new choice. It took over a year for Mary to develop a new life. You are more than a job or spouse of a professional.

Tom was a stay-at-home father for their daughter and money became especially tight when she turned nine. There were after school activities and less of a need for one parent to be home.

Tom just could not give up his identity of house-husband and this was one factor in his divorce. Much to his family’s dismay, he only held a part-time job for a brief time.

He later married a woman who saw herself as the stay-at-home spouse, so this marriage too ended in divorce.  Tom is fixated on his house-husband or stay-at-home parent role and still has not adjusted to a change in identity.

Losing One’s Identity Post-divorceLoss of the “Family Man” identity has been difficult for many men when they no longer see their children 24/7.

Their work mates change their label from “Married Man” into the category of “Single.”

A few men have expressed that they do not see themselves as swinging singles and that their married colleagues have been more distant.

Others have indicated that their father role has contracted when they are not hands on every day. Some divorced men in my community have volunteered with Boy Scouts and other youth programs to transform the father role into mentoring others along with their own children.

Several women have expressed anxiety over losing their housewife identity and sense of structure post-divorce.  They had a daily and weekly routine of tasks and activities and took great pride in running an efficient household.

My older friend was one of these women who felt a bit lost without a schedule, but learned to enjoy having the freedom of not catering to someone else’s needs.

First steps in dealing with loss of identity is to realize that one’s former identity is gone and not coming back. Mourn this change and share these feelings of identity loss with friends.

A support system allows you to vent and points out new opportunities on the horizon. Look at other components within your identity, nurturer, events planner, and so forth to develop them for hobbies, jobs or volunteering.

See what new tasks you can do for a favorite charity, which is fulfilling and can lead to a paid position. Losing my job in divorce, turned out to be a great thing. Discovered that I had been stuck in a rut, and my job post-divorce is an adventure.

Look at your different roles in life, such as aunt, daughter, and volunteer to expand them. Spend more time with family or become a more involved aunt. When you are losing one identity, seek out new ones, by becoming a member in social, book, religious, political or other groups.

The trick is to discover what obstacle is hindering leaving the past behind. Be open to new opportunities and friendships.

Getting through an acrimonious divorce made me stronger and more resilient. Find people and activities that support your newly single status. Uncover your hidden interests and talents that will enrich your life.

Click here for more articles by Wendi Schuller

ABOUT WENDI

Wendi Schuller is a nurse, hypnotherapist and is certified in Neuro-linguistic Programing (NLP).

Her most recent book is The Global Guide to Divorce and she has over 200 published articles.

She is a guest on radio programs in the US and UK. Her website is globalguidetodivorce.com.

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Involvling other Experts in your Collaborative Law Process

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Collaborative law is where the couple come together with their own collaborative lawyer and discuss matters fact to face.  There are no letters sent.  Each client instructs their own collaborative lawyer and they, the clients and the solicitors sign an agreement not to make an application to court. If no agreement is reached in the meetings then new lawyers must be instructed if the matter is to go to court.

Austin Chessell
Family Solicitor and Mediator at Shortands Solicitors

When I started working in Family Law in 2005 I would regularly go to court four to five times a week. I thought that there must be a better way to achieve family outcomes as a lot of the clients who obtained a court order were not happy with the order and wanted to return to court to appeal the decision sometimes.

I trained as a Family Mediator in 2009 and as a Collaborative Family Solicitor in 2013 and have to say that the majority of  clients I act for today go through the Collaborative Law or Family Mediation process and tend to be more satisfied with these outcomes than they would be if they had gone through the court system.  The main reason for this is that during the whole process, they make their own decisions as in which way to go rather than have a court decision imposed upon them.

You need to choose the right process for you but if you want an outcome that focuses on interests rather than fixed positions you may want to use Collaborative Law or Family Mediation.

Clients consult Collaborative Solicitors for legal advice and solutions to their legal problems but when there exists issues outside the legal framework and where a specialist is required then they, the specialist, can become part of the four way meetings between the two clients and the two collaborative solicitors. An order can be prepared if an agreement is then reached in the final sessions.

Involving other professionals does not have to mean costs will escalate. If the other professional can tackle the problem and solve it, it can often mean that matters can be resolved quicker and more amicably.  For instance:

  • Couple Therapists:  it may be the case that you are looking to make the marriage work. In the event that meetings with the couple therapist do not work then the door is always open to return to Collaborative Law.
  • Couple counsellingFamily Consultants:  they can work either one on one or with both clients. It may be that you want to explore how the co-parenting will work during the Collaborative process and as well as after the separation. Family Consultants can also help explore any hopes and anxieties you may have during the Collaborative and post Collaborative process.
  •  Child Specialists. it is important that the voice of the child be heard about how childcare arrangements will work. Some mediators do further training so that they can meet with the child (Direct Consultation With Children) where both parents consent to this and it can be very useful in providing details of what the children want the parents to know to help shape current and future childcare arrangements and how holiday childcare arrangements will work.  
  • Independent Financial Advisors. If the financial settlement is to provide a lump sum it may be useful to consult an Independent Financial Advisor to discuss investments or if the main asset is the pension to discuss how pension planning will work.  
  • Accountants. I have worked with accountants in the past where it has been necessary to value business assets during a divorce. The valuations can provide accurate and useful information to the clients when discussing settlement options.

Working with Collaborative professionals can be done at a timescale that works for you rather than having to follow a court timetable as Collaborative Law meetings take place outside of court.

It can take time to have to prepare a joint letter of instruction through solicitors if you are not using the Collaborative process while any instructions for the experts in Collaborative Law can be discussed in an open forum during the four-five way meetings.

If you want to know more about Collaborative Law you should speak to a trained Collaborative Family Solicitor.

Austin Chessell is a Family Mediator who is also trained to mediate with Children. He is also a Collaborative Family Solicitor at Shortlands Solicitors

Email: achessell@shortlands.co.uk

Telephone: 0207 629 9905

Twitter: @FamilyLawLondon

 

 

 

 

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