“The Good Divorce 4”

“THE GOOD DIVORCE – 4”

The Collaborative Process

Divorce is sometimes unavoidable.  Sometimes it will be devastating for one or both of the parties involved, but sometimes it is liberating.  In almost every case there will be very much emotion, stress and cost involved.  Even in amicable separations it is possible for the divorce process to sour relations and create conflict, rather than resolve conflict.

The question often posed is whether there is such a thing as “a good divorce?”  William Giles is a specialist family law Solicitor of 25 years’ experience.  He recognises that the process of divorce can be expensive, emotional and stressful.  It can be distressing and destabilising for both parents and children.

In this series of articles William provides advice and assistance as to ways to minimise conflict, promote solutions rather than focus on process and ways to minimise conflict.

Call us now for an initial discussion as to how you can reduce the conflict, stress and cost of divorce and seek to achieve a good divorce.

The collaborative process

The collaborative process involves a series of round table meetings between specially trained Solicitors.

The Solicitors assist the parties in reaching agreement for the best interests of the family.

The majority of the work goes on in the round table meetings rather than outside of the meetings.

Solicitors will meet initially to consider between themselves in order to consider whether the case is suitable for the collaborative process.

If it is, the parties will meet with their lawyers in a round table meeting at which they will be asked to sign a contract.  The contract regulates how the parties and their advisors will work together and how the process will be progressed.

The couple and their advisors will obtain full and frank disclosure concerning their finances, including income, assets, debts and liabilities.

The collaborative Solicitors may advise on introducing financial neutrals such as independent financial advisors, accountants, or family consultants.  Sometimes the family consultants will chair meetings, as well as assisting in regulating the parties’ emotions.

Upon conclusion of the collaborative process a Consent Order can be filed at Court in regard to financial issues with a note on it that the issues settled collaboratively.

William Giles is a Family Law Solicitor, Mediator and Collaborative Practitioner with Woollcombe Yonge Solicitors.  If you are contemplating divorce, or going through a divorce process and wish to have an initial free discussion with Will, please telephone on (01752) 827912.