Collaborative Law

Personal Legal Services » Family Matrimonial and Divorce » Collaborative Law

Collaborative Law provides an alternative to court proceedings during divorce or separation, helping both parties make arrangements for their children and finances whilst reducing the potential for conflict and animosity.

Replacing the emotionally charged context of the courts, Collaborative Law allows you to resolve any differences you have in a private and supportive environment. At Taylor Emmet, we are well-positioned to support you with the complete Collaborative Law process, with our Head of Family Law, Michaela Evans, being a specially trained Collaborative Lawyer.

How our Collaborative Law Solicitors can help you

If you are considering your options and are unsure what the best approach is likely for your divorce or separation, you will have the option of arranging an initial meeting with our Collaborative Lawyer, Michaela.

Our expertise with Collaborative Law

We are specialists in Family Law, which means we have the expertise to resolve any disputes you may be facing without needing court. This includes using Collaborative Law or any other method of alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation or Resolution Together (2 Clients, 1 Layer) to help you secure a positive outcome.

Our Family Law team have been recognised by the Legal 500 as one of the leading family firms within the Sheffield City region and beyond, demonstrating our high level of expertise.

In addition to being a Collaborative Lawyer, our Head of Family Law, Michaela Evans, is trained in Resolution Together. This initiative allows a single Family Law Solicitor or Lawyer to represent both parties during a divorce or separation. Taylor Emmet is currently one of a small number of firms in Yorkshire that offer the Resolution Together service.

How our Collaborative Law Solicitors and Lawyers can help you

Assessing your circumstances and explaining the Collaborative Law process

During this meeting, Michaela can examine your circumstances more closely, determine whether Collaborative Law is suitable for you, and explain how it would work if you were to proceed.

If we decide that Collaborative Law is not the best option, we can discuss any other methods of dispute resolution which may be better suited, such as mediation.

Collaborative Law representation

We can offer straightforward, robust support during the Collaborative Law process, helping you agree on the various practical details of your separation or divorce. Depending on your circumstances and what you would like to sort out, discussions and negotiations that take place during Collaborative Law could centre around issues such as the division of finances and arrangements for children.

More information about the Collaborative Law process can be found below.

Formalising an agreement via Collaborative Law

If Collaborative Law is successful and you have reached an agreement with your former partner, we can help you formalise these decisions by applying to a Family Court for a Consent Order or Child Arrangements Order.

Frequently asked questions about Collaborative Law

What is Collaborative Law?

Collaborative Law is an alternative to court proceedings, enabling you and your partner to negotiate a separation agreement that works for you.

The process is based on the principle that issues are discussed and resolved through face-to-face meetings. You each appoint a specially trained collaborative solicitor who will be by your side throughout, so you can benefit from legal advice as you go.

The aim is to resolve family disputes without going to court, saving you time, money and the acrimony that often arises from litigation.

How does Collaborative Law work?

To begin with, you and your partner will meet separately with your respective representatives to discuss the options and processes available to separating couples and decide if collaboration is right for you.

Michaela will explain what to expect and together, you will work out what you both need to do to prepare for your first collaborative meeting (usually referred to as a ‘four-way’ meeting). The solicitors will then speak to each other to form a plan for that appointment.

Collaborative Law is governed by a Collaborative Participation Agreement, which is signed by you, your former partner, and your legal representatives. The Collaborative Agreement commits all parties to reaching an agreement at their own pace and without the threat of court intervention.

The first session

At the first four-way meeting, your solicitors will ensure that you both understand that you are committing to working out a settlement without going to court, and you will all sign an agreement to this effect.

You and your partner will be invited to share your reasons for choosing this process, and you will all plan the agenda for the next meeting. The agenda will depend on your individual circumstances, but it typically includes a discussion about how any children are responding to the separation.

If time permits, you might also discuss how financial information will be shared and agree on who will bring what to the next meeting.

Moving forward

Subsequent meetings will address your particular priorities and concerns. You might, for instance, consider involving specialists in pensions and financial planning or people trained to assist children in understanding and coping with the change separation brings to their lives.

These meetings will enable you to reach agreements about how finances will be shared and what arrangements need to be made for your children.

The final meeting

Once all issues have been resolved, you will have a final meeting to sign the documents detailing the agreements you have reached. Your solicitors will then discuss anything else that needs to be done to implement the plans you have made.

It is worth bearing in mind that sometimes, it is not possible to put a firm timetable in place, for example, if the family house needs to be sold.

How long does Collaborative Divorce take?

One of the benefits of Collaborative Law is that it is not dependent on a timetable imposed by a court. To a large extent, the process can be built around your family’s needs and priorities. If speed is of the essence, we will endeavour to meet your deadlines. If more time is needed to gather information or consider options, you will not be rushed.

How can I prepare for my first Collaborative Law meeting?

To ensure that you are well-prepared for your first Collaborative Law meeting, Michaela will sit down with you to discuss what you can expect from the meeting and clarify what you are looking to achieve. It will always be extremely beneficial to have a detailed list of any issues relating to finances, your children, and your living situation that you would like to be addressed.

What can I do if we fail to reach an agreement?

Reaching an agreement through Collaborative Law is not always an absolute guarantee, although it is rare for the process to fail. If you cannot reach an agreement using this process, you have the option of exploring an alternative non-court option or making an application to a Family Court. Michaela would help you find the right lawyer to help you take the next steps.

How is Collaborative Law different to mediation?

While there are some similarities between Collaborative Law and mediation, they are two entirely separate processes.

Mediation occurs with a specially trained mediator, who acts as a neutral third party to facilitate discussions. Unlike a lawyer during Collaborative Law sessions, the mediator does not provide legal advice.

How do I know Collaborative Law is right for me?

You are unlikely to know whether Collaborative Law will definitely be right for you and your former partner until you sit down with Michaela to discuss your case. This meeting will provide tailored guidance about your current situation and what the Collaborative Law process will likely look like in practice.

We have Family Law Solicitors near you

If you are interested in understanding how Taylor Emmet can help you with your family law issues then please contact us.

0114 218 4000

Email Family Law Client Services

Branch Offices

More Family Law Services

Life isn't straightforward, and we know that things don't always go to plan. But when they don't, it's important to have agreements and plans to negate the need for court action, especially regarding your family.

Divorce and Financial Settlements

Securing your financial future following a divorce or civil partnership dissolution will understandably be one of your top priorities. We know that this can be a daunting prospect, which is why we are here to support you in negotiating a financial settlement that protects your current and future interests.

Our Family Law Solicitors and lawyers are experienced in supporting clients from a diverse range of backgrounds, including high-net worth individuals who require advice on their financial rights and responsibilities.

Where required, our Family Law Solicitors and Lawyers at Taylor Emmet can also work in tandem with our Property, Trusts and Corporate specialists to offer a comprehensive service to make sure that every detail has been accounted for.

Divorce and Civil Partnership

No matter the circumstances, a divorce or civil partnership dissolution is always like to be a difficult time, with a range of emotional and practical challenges to overcome. While the process of obtaining a divorce has been streamlined with the introduction of The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act, it is still vital that you have an expert on your side to help you navigate the process with confidence and to ensure your financial security is not put at risk.

Our expertise ensures that we can advise you on every aspect of your divorce or civil partnership dissolution, from the formal application process through to additional arrangements for your finances and children.

Pre and Post-Nuptial Agreements

Pre- and post-nuptial agreements may not seem like the most romantic notion on the surface. Equally, many people may believe that such an agreement is only accessible for the rich and famous. This is far from the case.

Pre- and post-nuptial agreements have grown in popularity in the UK, and for good reason. For many couples, these types of agreements can be a highly effective way of determining how assets will be handled during a future separation, reducing the potential for disruptive and costly disputes.

Our Family Law Solicitors and Lawyers can provide bespoke advice in relation to pre- and post-nuptial agreements, helping you to consider what should be included, or respond to any documents that have been sent by your partner.

Child Arrangements

Making arrangements for your children in the wake of divorce or separation is extremely important. While in many cases couples are able to come to a voluntary agreement, there may be situations in which an application to court is required.

Our team will work alongside you to establish what arrangements are best suited to you and your children, ensuring that you have the support you to achieve a resolution, including in situations where a court order will be required.

Cohabitation Disputes

Despite popular belief, cohabiting couples do not have the same rights as married couples or civil partners. This can have a range of potential consequences, particularly in the event of a future separation.

Cohabitees have minimal protection during separation, so it is vital that you understand exactly where you stand and what your options are if you find yourself in a cohabitation dispute with your former partner.

Our Family Law specialists can advise you on your position and responsibilities, as well as guiding you through the necessary steps to take to protect both yourself and your children.

The Collaborative law process is a method of dispute resolution that can act as a viable alternative to court proceedings during divorce and separation. During collaborative law, both parties appoint a Solicitor who is specially trained to support them during round table meetings, agreeing on the practical details of the separation.

You can arrange an initial meeting with our collaborative lawyer Michaela where she can take a closer look at your circumstances and determine whether it is a suitable process for your separation.

Resolution Together – 1 Lawyer, 2 Clients

Resolution Together is a new initiative designed to allow a single Family Law Solicitor or Lawyer to work alongside a couple jointly, as opposed to one individual, during a divorce or separation.

This method of resolution is likely to be ideal for a wide range of separating couples, including those that intend to make a joint application for divorce.

Taylor Emmet is currently one of a small number of firms in Yorkshire that offer the Resolution Together service.

Domestic Abuse

In every instance, your safety, and that of your family, is paramount. Our empathetic Family Law Solicitors and Lawyers have substantial experience and, with members of our team Resolution specialists in handling cases of domestic abuse - we understand the impact domestic abuse can have on the health of you and your family.

We will handle your case with sensitivity and tact, guiding you through all of the legal options that are available to you, including applying to the court for orders under the Family Law Act 1996. We have a legal aid contract, which means we are able to offer legal aid for anyone eligible.

Separation Agreements

There are many reasons why formal proceedings won’t be the right option for couples who intend to separate. Whether it’s because you are undecided about the current status of your relationship, or you simply wish to try a temporary period apart from one another, it is sensible to consider the alternative options that are available – such as a separation agreement.

Separation agreements are legal documents which couples can prepare, confirming the practical arrangements they have made following a separation. They can be used by married couples, civil partners, and cohabitees.

Child Support

Our Family Law Solicitors and Lawyers can help ensure that you are able to find a solution that provides the right level of financial support for your children now and in the future.

We understand how sensitive matters involving your children are likely to be. As such, we are committed to promoting an amicable approach to resolving any disputes that may arise surrounding child support, avoiding lengthy legal battles wherever possible. That said, if court proceedings are required to find a solution, you can be certain that you will receive robust representation and diligent legal advice.

Frequently asked questions about Family Law

What is family law?

When we talk about ‘family law’, we are typically discussing any legal matters that are related to family relationships. This could involve marriages, civil partnerships, cohabitation, parents and children, and the individual arrangements that are made in relation to these relationships.

Family law can also cover various other matters, such as change of name and domestic violence.

What does a Family Solicitor or Lawyer do?

Family Solicitors and Lawyers play a vital role in helping individuals, couples and families to navigate the various hurdles they may be confronted with when dealing with a legal matter.

Exactly what role a Family Solicitor or Lawyer will play will vary from case to case. In addition to providing legal advice that confirms someone’s rights, responsibilities and options, a Family Solicitor can also help parties in dispute to work towards a fair and just resolutions, as well as providing representation during court proceedings.

How much does a Family Solicitor cost?

The fees you may be expected to pay for family law services from a specialist Solicitor or Lawyer will vary from case to case and will depend on a wide range of factors. Once we have a clearer understanding of what your case involves and the level of support you require, our team will be able to advise you further on what the likely costs will be. Legal aid may also be available in certain circumstances, depending on your eligibility.

How can we avoid going to court?

There are a number of methods of dispute resolution which can all be used to help avoid the prospect of having to head to court.

At Taylor Emmet, we are the only firm in Sheffield to offer the full range of options, meaning we are well positioned to help you find a solution to your matter while keeping conflict to a minimu.

Our expertise includes Collaborative Law and Resolution Together, all of which our team can advise you on in detail.

Is it better to have a Solicitor in the family court?

There may be a situations whenre it is necessary to take a case to the family court in order to achieve an outcome that is in theyour best interests of you andand those of your children. In every case, it will always be more beneficial to have a dedicated Family Law Solicitor or Lawyer on your side, who will be able to understand the intricacies of your case and the legal processes involved, significantly increasing your chances of achieving a positive outcome.