a collaborative approach to relationship breakdown
Contemplating separation or divorce can be very daunting
and, more often than not, both the legal and practical
consequences can be upsetting for all concerned. This is especially
the case when there are children involved. When looking at the
effects of divorce and separation of parents on children, the
consequences vary depending upon how acrimonious the split has been
and how the issues have been dealt with.
Family lawyers in the UK have been trying to
find a method to reduce the upset and turmoil that court
proceedings can cause and one solution is to embark on a Collaborative
Law approach. Collaborative law is a process which started in
the USA and has become increasing popular in this country. To
become a collaborative lawyer, special training is required, so
that the lawyer has the skills and techniques to offer this
service. The incentive to reach an amicable resolution through the
collaborative process is that you both have to agree at the outset
that you will not go to court, which enables you to embark on the
process without the threat or fear of court proceedings hanging
over you.
Not battling matters out through an adversarial court process
can reduce the harm suffered by all, children included, at the
time; importantly, it may also help you to maintain a
relationship with your partner in the future, something that is
crucial if you need to agree arrangements for children, such as contact
or applications for permission to take chidren
abroad.
