Collaborative law is an alternative to the ‘traditional’ approach to resolving disputes in the event of a relationship breakdown.
Legal advisors and clients sign a participation agreement which is a written agreement confirming all party’s commitment to resolve the matter together and that a court application will not be pursued.
Whilst both parties have their own legal advisor, who they can talk to privately, all meetings take place with all parties working together to resolve the issues. An agenda is set before each meeting and minutes are circulated at the end of each meeting. Furthermore, ‘next steps, are identified in each meeting ensuring that progress continues throughout. In the Collaborative process, clients are an integral part of the process.