Collaborative law is an alternative dispute resolution process that aims to avoid combative law and litigation. The parties make a written agreement that sets out the rules of the process, the most important rule being that if the parties choose to commence court proceedings, the parties’ lawyers are disqualified from representing them. That means you can be confident that all the in the room are committed to getting a resolution. Collaborative law takes a holistic approach by involving professionals such as accountants, financial planners, and counselling professionals who work cooperatively with the parties to reach a settlement. The parties have face-to-face meetings in which information is shared, and solutions are discussed.
This process is not for everyone. The success of the process depends on good faith, openness and willingness of the parties to communicate directly with one another. The parties must be able to actively participate and identify the individual interests of the other party. Additionally, if the parties choose to proceed to court they will need to retain new lawyers.
I've been practising law in Western Australia for over 30 years and have seen first-hand how mean and ugly combative law can be, costing broken families hundreds of thousands of dollars... It's hard on both parties and more importantly, if you have kids, they suffer greatly.
Disputes are almost always about much more than the law.
I have been a collaborative lawyer for 10 years and a mediator for 5 years. I believe Collaborative Practice & Mediation is a better way to resolve disputes over litigation achieving both lasting compromises and repairing, rather than further damaging relationships.
I understand that when you really need a lawyer, you are probably in a stressful situation and looking for answers to some very difficult questions.
Let me help you and your partner come to an agreement that benefits everyone with minimum expenses. So you don't have to spend years in court, fighting over who gets what, and getting billed by lawyers every step of the way.
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