Collaborative Law

Collaborative Practice is an alternative way for separating couples to move forward

Divorce takes a huge toll on time, emotions and financial resources. However, there is another less adversarial way and one which is based on a more solution-oriented approach. Whilst the emotional devastation that accompanies the loss of a relationship is sometimes inevitable, the additional pressure of dealing with the issues which follow such as arrangements for the children, who is going to live in the family home and the financial aspects can all be alleviated.

What is Collaborative Law?

Many divorce lawyers acknowledge that the law is, more often than not, a blunt instrument to deal with issues. Collaborative Practice is an alternative way for separating couples to work as a team with trained lawyers and other professionals (such as child specialists and financial advisers) to resolve the issues arising from the breakdown of their relationship. It is designed to minimise the hurt, loss of self esteem and anger that frequently occur.

The philosophy is built on a belief that although individuals may cease being married, they often have to continue co-parenting. Every aspect of collaborative practice is intended to foster respect and maintain communication for all concerned in a conciliatory and dignified manner, without the stress of going to court. The aim of the collaborative approach is to fundamentally change the way people think about family law. The end of a marriage or relationship is tragic enough; collaborative practice believes the process of divorcing should not add to that pain, but instead help the parties – and any children – to foresee a hopeful future.

How is Collaborative Law different from the traditional legal process?

For couples who genuinely seek a fair solution and want to minimise the pain of family breakdown, it may offer the best way forward. At its heart is a fundamental principle which requires the parties and their lawyers to enter into a formal commitment to not refer the issues under discussion to Court or, indeed, to threaten court proceedings.

The emphasis is on reaching a dignified and amicable solution. This commitment is pivotal to the process and both parties and their respective collaborative lawyers are required to sign a Participation Agreement. Once signed, if either party wishes to refer the matter to Court then both lawyers must cease to act. The consequence of this is significant as it requires both parties to instruct new lawyers at different law firms. This is critical because the emphasis is not only on the parties, but also on their legal teams, to try and achieve an amicable agreement.

The process is unique in that clients and their lawyers meet face-to-face for discussions and negotiations rather than matters being dealt by correspondence. The meetings require openness about all financial matters and disclosure of assets whether they are jointly owned or held in one party’s name. Discussions surround the needs of the family and solutions are then explored. Children’s interests are always given the utmost priority.

The end result is a divorce agreement which has been achieved through mutual problem solving and not by someone with little knowledge of the parties’ background or circumstances. This enables the clients i.e. the people who are most important, to take control of shaping the final agreement which will ultimately determine their future lives. It is not for everyone, but for those seeking a different and more pragmatic approach, it is a revolution.

Fixed fee initial consultation

It’s important to explore your options to ensure collaborative law is the right choice for you. Rix & Kay Solicitors are committed to providing transparent and cost-effective services, to reduce your stress and to support you throughout this process. Our goal is to make the process as smooth as possible for you.

We provide an initial fixed fee consultation for up to one hour. During this dedicated session, our experienced solicitors will provide professional guidance and support, tailored to your specific circumstances. By offering a fixed fee of £150 plus VAT for this comprehensive one hour consultation, we aim to deliver transparency and affordability while ensuring that you receive the highest quality of service.

Complete our contact form below, providing us with as much information as possible about your situation, and a member of our team will get in touch, so that you can make informed decisions and find the best way forward. Or, for more information on costs, read about our approach to pricing.

Contact Form

Rix & Kay’s Family and divorce law team and members of Resolution and collaborative family lawyers.

“Rix & Kay have a very strong team, who combine experience and strength in depth. The team covers all aspects of family law, and can deal with the simplest contact or divorce case up to the most complicated international case, or cases with very complicated assets and third party issues. A very strong team.”

“Our experience with this firm was professional and efficient at all times. Deeply knowledgeable. Responsive to fast moving situations. Robust advice and clear stances. Standing by their expertise and in doing so provide a level of expert clarity that exudes confidence and makes a stressful situation far easier to handle.”

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