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  WHAT IS COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE?  
 

Collaborative Practice in Family Law is an option available to separating families and others with Family Law disputes. The aim is to settle the issues without going to court. The parties maintain all decision making power and work together with their lawyers to come to an agreement.

In the Collaborative process both clients and lawyers are committed to arriving at a resolution of the issues in a non-adversarial mind frame. Clients and lawyers commit to each other in writing that they will not begin legal proceedings during negotiations and that both lawyers will withdraw from the case if one of the parties decides to go to court.

All participants agree to negotiate in good faith and to be forthcoming with all relevant information.

  
   
  HOW DOES THE COLLABRATIVE PROCESS WORK?  
 

The Collaborative process encourages parties to reach workable settlements by building on areas of mutual agreement. Collaboratively trained lawyers help clients structure a series of meetings and agendas for each meeting.

The goal of these meetings is to openly exchange information, express needs, interests and expectations in a forward looking manner. Once all information has been gathered the parties resolve the issues, with the assistance and advice of their respective lawyers. Cooperative strategies instead of adversarial methods are used to ensure that the underlying needs and interests of clients are met in a way that maximizes the results for the family.

 
     
 
 
 
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  WHY USE THE COLLABORATIVE PROCESS?  
 

Separation, divorce and other Family Law situations present emotions and challenges, which can be dealt with by constructively using the Collaborative process.

The clients retain control of the process and all decisions with the benefit of a legal adviser.

The lawyer remains the ally of his or her client and solicitor client privilege is maintained throughout the process.

The non-adversarial and cooperative attitude fostered by the process allows for a more peaceful and healthy beginning and the planning of a new family life.

The reduction of tension and conflict that this process promotes is essential for the resolution of issues when children are involved and a civil relationship among the adults is desired.