Collaborative Process

It is a team of collaboratively trained professionals who help the parties meet and reach agreement on issues following the breakdown of the relationship in relation to finances and children.

| What Is Collabrative law?

Collaborative is an adjective described as

“a process involving  two or more people or organisations working together for a particular purpose”

In family law this involves, lawyers instructed by both parties, the parties themselves and can also involve financial advisors and relationship therapists.  It is a team of collaboratively trained professionals who help the parties meet and reach agreement on issues following the breakdown of the relationship in relation to finances and children.  It is unique, in that all the  parties,  commit  to stay in the process until an agreement is reached without involving the court.

The goals are set out by the parties in an anchor statement.  The terms of the contract to work together, are set out in the participation agreement.  The court’s involvement is limited to making orders in the terms of the agreement reached.  The professionals are all members of Resolution and have undergone training in the collaborative process with Resolution.

The benefits can include less cost, less animosity and less time to resolve issues and of course all meetings are held privately, usually in an office space or by video.  If you would like to know more about the collaborative process, please speak to Amanda Holland on 0121 355 4555 or 0121 702 1580 or email [email protected]

| Family Team

Amanda Holland

Amanda Holland

Family and collaborative lawyer

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| Frequently Asked Questions

What will it cost

A specialist family lawyer is unlikely to be able to answer this question without meeting with you.  Every family is unique and the cost of sorting out finances, children and divorce will depend upon the complexity of the issues and the assets involved.   We offer a first meeting for a fixed fee.  Following that meeting, we are able to provide costs estimates tailored to your particularly circumstances.

Why do i need a lawyer?

There are a number of online resources where you can find information.  It is possible to obtain a divorce without a lawyer.  However, if you do not take legal advice, you may discover later on that you have acted to your detriment

How long will it take?

A divorce generally takes 4-6 months from the issue of the divorce proceedings to obtaining a Decree Absolute, provided that all parties co-operate by returning documents on time.  If financial matters have not been resolved, it is usual to delay obtaining the Decree Absolute until a financial order is made and so it may take longer to finalise the divorce.

How long it takes to reach a financial agreement depends on many factors.  If it is necessary to issue court proceedings to deal with financial matters, it is not unusual for it to take 12-18 months to conclude.

What am I entitled to?

It all depends on your circumstances, your needs and the assets involved.  The first step is to find out what the assets are worth and we do this by completing a financial statement called a Form E

Are pensions really important?

Yes.  Instead of calling it a “pension” call it a “savings account for the future”.    It is vital to find out what a pension is worth by obtaining the cash equivalent value from the pension provider.  This should be the first thing you do because it can take a number of months to obtain.

What is the normal amount of time for the children to spend with me?

There is no “normal”.  It depends on the needs of the children and your particular circumstances.