Collaborative Approach
We focus on achieving a flexible and creative solution adapted to your family’s needs.
Our collaborative lawyers help you to work together to find solutions that allow you and your partner to move forward in a positive way.
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- Louise Margiotta
- Head of Family
What is the Collaborative approach?
- The collaborative approach is one in which you and your partner, and lawyers for both of you, commit to working together as a team to resolve issues. This is done through a series of informal discussions and joint meetings without involving the court (other than to deal with the legal formalities of the divorce and approving the financial settlement you reach). This helps keep everyone focused on resolving issues constructively.
- This approach allows you and your partner to set the agenda and focus on what is important to you. It is an open and transparent process.
- You can move at your own pace through the process, ask questions and seek further clarification then and there.
- Our collaborative lawyers are trained to help overcome communication difficulties, allowing you to focus on finding solutions that suit your family. During the collaborative process, additional professionals such as accountants, pension’s experts, Independent Financial Advisors and family consultants may be involved to support our discussions and decisions, ensuring a comprehensive approach to problem-solving.
Our Family Law Fees
The initial fixed fee appointment is charged at £150 + VAT.
After the initial appointment, we will provide you with a detailed, full-cost estimate based on your personal circumstances.
Please note that we are unable to offer Legal Aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Collaborative Law involves each party having their own lawyer, a team approach, and a commitment to avoiding court. It often includes additional professionals to address various aspects of the dispute. Mediation, on the other hand, employs a neutral mediator to facilitate communication between parties, and the process is more focused on assisting the parties in reaching a voluntary agreement.
Unlike traditional court proceedings where a judge decides the importance of each aspect, in the Collaborative Process, if something is important to one party, it is considered significant. This ensures that all relevant issues are given the necessary time and attention.
Yes, Collaborative Family Lawyers in the UK undergo special training to effectively navigate the collaborative process. They are skilled not only in legal matters but also in communication and conflict resolution techniques.
The cost of Collaborative Law can vary depending on various factors, but can often be a more cost-effective alternative to going to court. The costs will depend on how complex the issues involved are and how many meetings are needed, but this will always be discussed with you up front.
Contact our Solicitors in Colchester or Clacton
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