Resolving disputes through communication, not court.
The Collaborative Practice Process
Collaborative Practice is a way of honestly and cooperatively resolving disputes without going to court. It is a way of finding the best resolution for everyone while preserving family relationships as much as possible. This is especially important when children are involved, and their needs are priority. Because it’s non-adversarial approach, Collaborative Practice can only be used if both parties agree to it.
In Collaborative Practice, both you and the other party each have the support and guidance of lawyers to find a mutually acceptable solution. You may also have the support of coaches, family therapists, mental health professionals and other specialist services working together with you as part of your team.
Advantages of Collaborative Practice
Is the Collaborative Law Process Right for You?
There are many advantages to working cooperatively with the other party to find a mutually acceptable solution. However, the process won’t work for everyone.
It works best both parties want to maintain some degree of relationship into the future, especially for the sake of their children.
You must both be willing to work honestly and cooperatively for a mutually acceptable solution.
Some of the benefits of a collaborative law process include;
- You retain control of the process and the outcomes rather than having the courts make decisions for you.
- The cooperative approach is more likely to reduce conflict and preserve relationships.
- Minimises the stress and expense of legal battles and court cases.
- Ensures you have access to all the professional support you need.
- Maximises your privacy by keeping negotiations between you and the other party.
- You are free to explore a wide range of traditional and alternative solutions to find one which works for your circumstances.
- It is a potentially lower cost process with a faster agreement time as you negotiate your own time frame for settling the dispute.
- The process is run by you, not your lawyers, although they are always there for support and guidance.
