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Collaborative Law is designed to achieve a settlement that is fair to both parties and leads to reduced animosity and future conflict.
Only qualified professionals can conduct cases collaboratively and our team of experts has extensive experience in this specialised area of law.
Many couples going through a divorce or separation would usually prefer to avoid the court process if possible.
If this is the case, then the collaborative law process may be right for you. Each person appoints their own collaboratively trained lawyer and then you all meet together to work out a solution that is right for your family. Both parties have their lawyer by their side throughout the process and so you will have their support and legal advice throughout. An agreement reached in a collaborative proceed will be ‘rubberstamped’ by a court.
As everyone involved in the process is totally committed to finding the best solution, you and your lawyers sign an agreement that commits you to try to resolve the issues without applying to the court in the traditional way and in fact, prevents them from representing you in court if the collaborative process breaks down.
As a Resolution Collaboratively trained lawyer, we can help you decide which process is right for you and your family, but most of all, we will do everything we can to assist you in finding and agreeing on a fair outcome as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.
Gillian Graveson, head of Birchall Blackburn Law’s Family Team, has over 30 years of experience in family law, having strengthened her expertise to practice collaboratively since 2008. She will happily see clients seeking a collaborative solution at any of our offices across the region.
Gill is a qualified collaborative lawyer with Family Law Panel accreditation and is a member of Resolution.
We have individuals on our team of our team who have earned The Law Society’s Family Law accreditation. This means they have shown a high level of competence and extensive knowledge in family law matters. Some of our solicitors also hold The Law Society’s Children Law accreditation, so they have the ability to work directly with children and understand their needs and wishes.
Whilst the collaborative process is not always as cost-effective as traditional separation or divorce proceedings, it is generally a much quicker and less acrimonious process.
The cost varies depending on what is involved, and the work required. We offer a one-hour fixed fee initial appointment during which we will assess your circumstances, explain the costs involved and give you information about the funding options available to you.
We may be able to offer a fixed fee service for relatively straightforward matters. In more complicated cases, we offer flexible arrangements and will always provide a detailed cost estimate in writing at the outset. We will update you regularly and help you to budget.
Collaborative Law is a voluntary dispute resolution process where the parties to a divorce agree to work together respectfully, honestly, and in good faith to try to reach a mutually agreeable settlement, without going to court.
Under the collaborative process, each person appoints their own collaboratively trained lawyer and you and your respective lawyers all meet together to work things out face to face. Both of you will have your lawyer by your side throughout the process and so you will have their support and legal advice as you go.
As in mediation, collaborative law is based on principled negotiations.
In contrast to mediation, where both parties meet with one neutral mediator, however, in collaborative law, each has their own solicitor, and issues are resolved in meetings with all of the involved.
All explained really clearly, answered all my questions.
Staff members polite and helpful at all times.
Amy is a lovely person and a credit to your firm. Customer service is excellent.
Clear advice given at all times.
Amy was friendly and efficient.
Happy with everything.
I will definitely be using your services again.
Easy to talk to. All explained in layman’s terms and made you feel comfortable asking any questions
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