The collaborative model requires a shared commitment to avoid litigation. The process involves a series of informal discussions and joint meetings for the purposes of settling all issues known as “four way” meetings as they involve the couple and their Collaboratively trained lawyers. Each party and his or her lawyer will need to sign an agreement stating a mutual aim to reach a fair and equitable settlement and as importantly not to go to court other than with agreement and by consent.

It’s about looking forward and not back, finding solutions and avoiding destructive confrontation.

So why could the collaborative model work for you?

• You can focus on what is important to you and resolve matters quickly.
• The goal is to enhance communication through the process, to lay the foundations for a different and healthy relationship into the future.
• You can achieve flexible and creative solutions adapted to your needs.
• If there are children they will benefit as they will know that you, as parents, resolved your differences constructively together.
• The process is straightforward and eliminates the opportunity for misunderstanding.
• The process is confidential.
• You will benefit from the strength of two lawyers working together rather than against one another.

What issues are suitable for the model?

• Separation/dissolution and divorce
• contested probate disputes
• pre and post nuptial agreements
• living together agreements
• Arrangements for children seeing/living with parents