Five reasons why collaboration helps to keep divorcing couples on the right track

Our talented team of family lawyers are frequently invited to share their expertise and present at conferences and forums.

The latest invitation saw Norman Taylor, a champion of collaborative law which helps to keep divorce out of court and preserve privacy, co-present on its benefits at the West Yorkshire Family Justice Forum.

The platform, where family lawyers and district judges share latest developments and industry knowledge, featured a high-profile line up including keynote speaker, Sir James Munby, President of the Family Division of the High Court of England and Wales.

Norman, listed as a leading individual in the latest Chambers 2018 Guide, and his co-presenter Nicky Mitchell of Lupton Fawcett, outlined how Collaborative Family Law works.

They also highlighted the advantages which include each spouse appointing their own collaboratively trained lawyer – both of whom are focused on achieving the best possible outcome for parting couples and any children involved.

Below are five reasons why we recommend our clients take this particular route:

1. Collaborative family law enables divorcing couples to avoid a costly courtroom battle over the division of their assets and their children’s futures and opt for a harmonious separation. It appeals to many people seeking a civilised and low-key process.

2. Its main aim is to work to a respectful and dignified resolution, putting any children at the heart of the process – something we always advocate – and keeping the details private.

3. The couples and their appointed collaboratively trained lawyers meet to work things out at a convenient time and location they are both comfortable with and are backed up by support and legal advice. All sign a contract committing them to trying to resolve matters by agreement, without litigating (going to court). Lawyers will agree only to represent the parties within the collaborative process and not in court.

4. Going to court can result in high costs, substantial distress and a prolonged process. In our experience disagreements can nearly always be solved creatively through discussion, asking questions and finding solutions together. However, it is important to highlight that there are cases where court is the only option.

5. The collaborative process is more cost effective than litigation – usually the most expensive option which can be a cold, clinical, very public and daunting experience, where you hand over the decision-making to a judge who does not know you and has no real idea what is truly important to you.

Jones Myers family lawyers are members of Resolution – professionals committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes. All follow a code of practice that promotes a non-confrontational approach to family issues.

For more information about any aspect of collaborative law or family law, call Jones Myers at our Leeds office on 0113 246 0055, our Harrogate office on 01423 276104, visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce