Collaborative family law is a process similar to, but different from, mediation. Instead of discussions with a neutral mediator, couples have their own collaborative family solicitor who advises them and attends formal meetings with all four people together. You can use collaborative family law to try and resolve issues about children and/or family finances.
The meetings will be carefully prepared for with an agenda for discussion. The aim is to encourage face to face negotiation. Though this can be painful, it is usually a lot more positive – and quicker – than drawn out letter writing between solicitors.
If the collaborative family law process does not result in an agreed settlement, your collaborative lawyers have to stop advising you. This is to ensure that the negotiations are full and frank, and no-one feels worried about giving away their position in the course of negotiation. It also means that the collaborative lawyers, clearly and obviously, have nothing to gain themselves from the negotiations breaking down, and the matter going to court.
