Collaborative family law is a new way of providing you and your partner with the opportunity to work together to resolve any issues that may arise upon entering into a marriage / civil partnership or the breakdown of a relationship without the hostility and unpleasantness that could arise otherwise.

This is a process which enables a couple together with their collaborative lawyers to join in the process to try and find a solution which respects their needs, without the uncertainty of the involvement of the court.

How does collaborative law work?

1. At the outset you and your former partner and your collaborative lawyers form a team and agree to resolve issues without going to court.
   
2. Everyone agrees to try and reach a settlement which is fair and takes into account the interest of the whole family.
   
3. The process identifies what is important to you and your partner/former partner.
   
4. You all sign a participation agreement which sets out your goals and aspirations.
   
5. All meetings and negotiations take place face to face and in a series of meetings; generally there are no letters written between lawyers which can sometimes be misread. All discussions are transparent.
   
6. You will be encouraged to find a creative solution which meets your family’s needs.
   
7. Once an agreement is reached the lawyers can then prepare a settlement which if necessary can be submitted to the Court for approval.

Advantages of collaborative law

1. It helps you build better communication in the future.
   
2. You keep control of the process and meetings can be arranged at your convenience. You can proceed as quick or as slowly as you like.
   
3. Collaborative law trained experts can be instructed if needs be i.e. barristers, accountants, independent financial advisors and Family consultants.
   
4. You make decisions and avoid the uncertainty of a Court imposed time table and outcome.

Miles &Partners Family Law Team has two expertly trained collaborative lawyers. Please contact either Michelle Uppal or Maria James for further assistance on 020 7426 0400.

You can email Michelle at mu@milesandpartners.com or Maria at mj@milesandpartners.com

For more details follow the following links about collaborative law:

www.cityoflondoncollaborativelawyers.com

www.londoncollaborativelaw.com