Collaborative Law is an alternative method for dealing with financial and children disputes on divorce or separation without going to court. Fisher Meredith has trained Collaborative solicitors in London and Richmond who can help you through this process.

What is Collaborative Law?

Collaborative Family Law is a relatively new way of dealing with family disputes. It is a non-confrontational approach to resolving issues arising on relationship breakdown.

This approach differs from mediation as each of you will have your Family lawyer by your side throughout the entire process. The advantage of this is that you will both benefit from legal advice as you go along. The aim of Collaborative Law is to resolve family disputes without having to attend at court.

Collaborative Law: How does it work?

Having decided that Collaborative Law is the right approach for you, this is what you can expect to happen next:

• Both parties will individually meet with their separate Family lawyers to discuss what can be expected in the collaborative meetings. These meetings are normally referred to as ‘four-way’ meetings, so named as they are meetings between you and your partner and your respective lawyers.
• You and your Family lawyer will discuss how to prepare for the first ‘four-way’ meeting.
• Your Collaborative lawyer and your partner’s lawyer will speak to each other either face to face or over the phone in order to plan for your first meeting.

What happens at the first ‘four-way’ meeting?

• At the first ‘four-way’ meeting the clients and the Collaborative lawyers need to sign a Participation Agreement setting out the terms on which the process will operate and confirming that it is not the clients’ intention to go to court.
• You and your partner will be invited to share your own objectives in choosing this process and you will all plan the agenda for the next meeting.
• If time permits you may also go on to discuss how financial information will be shared and agree on who will bring what financial information to the next meeting.

The process is voluntary and the meetings are private and are conducted in a courteous and supportive way. The clients need to be committed to showing respect and being truthful and open throughout. The Family lawyers will work together to find bespoke solutions for your family.

Once agreement has been reached, both solicitors will draw up the necessary paperwork to make it legally binding.

Collaborative Law: Advantages of this approach

• You retain control of the process;
• You are not bound by a court timetable;
• You have the support of your own Family lawyer;
• Discussions are conducted in an amicable way with a view to decreasing tensions between the clients;
• It can be constructive in setting the foundation for better family relationships in the future after separation so that the children will benefit;
• You avoid the stress involved in litigation

Why use Fisher Meredith?

Fisher Meredith is an award winning law firm with offices in Richmond, Surrey and Kennington, London. Our Collaborative Law and Family solicitors have an outstanding reputation for acting on behalf of individuals with highly successful results.

For 35 years, Fisher Meredith has developed a reputation for being approachable and “going the extra mile” for its clients whilst maintaining ethical and socially responsible standards.

Fisher Meredith’s Family Law department is headed by founding partner Eileen Pembridge.

What should I do now?

If you are thinking about divorce, or separating from your partner, our Family lawyers can provide you with quality legal advice on the alternative methods available to manage your separation. Our Family solicitors can answer your questions about the legal process, your rights and whether Collaborative Law is the right option for you.

For initial advice or to arrange a meeting with one of our Collaborative and Family lawyers in London or Richmond, please contact our helpline on 0800 014 7445.