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Collaborative law is a legal approach designed to help people who are facing separation or divorce to work things out constructively and without going to court. In Barnsley, just like anywhere else in the United Kingdom, trained collaborative lawyers can assist parties to resolve conflicts and reach agreements in a non-confrontational manner. It facilitates open communication and cooperation between parties to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution.
People may require legal help in collaborative law when they wish to separate or divorce, but would like to avoid the adversarial nature and cost of court proceedings. Lawyers trained in collaborative law can facilitate discussions on important issues such as financial settlements and children’s arrangements. If you wish to maintain a respectful relationship with your former partner or if there are complicated assets that need to be divided, you may need a collaborative lawyer to assist you.
Under the Family Law Act in the United Kingdom, all parties have the option to choose a non-confrontation route in separation or divorce. Collaborative law in Barnsley falls under this category, where under Sterling Accord, all solicitors signing up to this approach must attend a collaborative training programme. The agreement to not go to court distinguishes collaborative law, which leads to a more peaceful resolution for both parties.
Each case varies, but the collaborative process generally takes less time than court proceedings. The pace will depend on your personal situation and how quickly you can reach agreement with your former partner.
Yes, everything discussed during the collaborative process is confidential and cannot be used as evidence if your case proceeds to court.
If you cannot reach an agreement, you may proceed to court. However, the solicitors involved in the collaborative process will not be able to represent you in court, and new lawyers would have to be appointed.
Yes, collaborative law is not specific to family law and can be used in any civil dispute where both parties agree to use this process.
Yes, both parties need to hire their own collaborative lawyers to facilitate the discussions and agreements.
You may find further information on collaborative law from the UK Government's official website, Resolution (an organization of family lawyers committed to non-confrontational divorce, separation and other family issues), and the Law Society of England and Wales.
If you need legal assistance in collaborative law, you should find and appoint a solicitor who is trained in this field. You may find a list of collaborative lawyers from the Resolution website. After appointing a solicitor, you can begin the process of discussions and agreements with your former partner and their solicitor in meetings arranged by your collaborative lawyers.
