Collaborative Law

Separation isn’t easy, but it can be “easier”

Going through a separation is difficult – it isn’t easy for anyone. However, there are ways to try and make the property settlement or parenting arrangements “easier”.

Traditionally, separated couples try to negotiate their way through a property settlement or agree on how they will share the care of their children. If negotiation failed, then ultimately parties can commence Court proceedings. But there is another option available to separated couples – COLLABORATIVE LAW.

What is Collaborative Law?

Collaborative Law is a process where the separated couple, collaborative lawyers (lawyers who have been specifically trained in the collaborative law process) and other collaborative professionals (such as an accountant or psychologist) can work together to try and reach an agreement that the separated couple consider is best for the family as a whole. The process is designed to be an alternative to going through the Court process, and is a respectful, open and transparent process where the separated couple are involved at all steps.

Sophie Pearson talks more about the Collaborative Law process in our youtube video .

Who do I talk to so I can work out whether Collaborative Law is best for my family?

Sophie Pearson is a trained collaborative lawyer. Our family law team believes that our clients benefit from having as many different alternatives open to them when deciding how to navigate through their separation, and Rebecca Durkin will be completing the Collaborative Law training in early May 2013.

There are family lawyers that practice collaboratively – that is, they believe in negotiating in a cooperative and respectful way – however, that does not mean they are trained Collaborative Lawyers. If you wish to engage in the Collaborative process, it is important to ensure that your lawyer has the necessary training to help you get the best result for your family.

What if I don’t want to go through the Collaborative Law process?

Sophie and Rebecca are both experienced family lawyers, and have successfully assisted families in dealing with their property and parenting matters in the more traditional approach of negotiation, mediation and ultimately litigation (if necessary). It is important to understand that the Collaborative Law process is not appropriate for every family, and we are able to explore options for each separated couple at our first consultation.

If you are interested in learning more about the Collaborative Law process, please contact our family law team.