Collaborative Law
NO COURT DIVORCE
Collaborative Practice is a new way for divorcing or separating couples to work together as a team with trained professionals, to resolve disputes respectfully, without going to court.
Each client has the support, protection and guidance of his or her own lawyer. Together, the lawyers and clients form the collaborative component of Collaborative Practice. The lawyers agree that they are there to help the clients through the collaborative process, they are not there to take the case to court and are prevented from doing so.
The main elements of Collaborative Practice are set out in a contract called a Participation Agreement, which both the lawyers and the clients sign.
The process:
- Negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement without using a court to decide any issues for the clients
- Engage in open communication and information sharing, and
- Create shared solutions that take into account the highest priorities of both clients.
Sally Clark
