Collaborative Law Solicitors
A specialist approach to collaborative divorce.
If you’re facing divorce or separation and want to keep things amicable, collaborative law could be the right approach. It focuses on finding mutually beneficial solutions for all involved, with the benefit of expert legal advice along the way.
Ultimately, the process can provide a legally binding agreement without the stress of going to court.
You, your partner and your respective collaboratively trained solicitors work together in a series of meetings to reach an agreement. The process covers legal, financial and practical aspects, including relationships with children and other family members.
Collaborative law gives you more control over the outcome, helping to reduce stress and maintain relationships.
Is collaborative law right for you?
Collaborative law works best for people who want to:
- Avoid the hostility of court proceedings.
- Reach a fair agreement with their children’s best interests in mind.
- Maintain good relations with their former partner for the future.
- Find a solution that’s fair.
- Save time and money compared to going to court.
Call us on 020 7426 4915 or
Request a callbackHow does collaborative law work?
Not all family law solicitors are collaboratively trained so if collaborative is an option you wish to consider, do ensure you consult a collaboratively trained solicitor.
Once you decide on a collaborative law approach, your solicitor will explain the process and help you feel fully prepared before the first ‘four-way’ meeting with your partner and their solicitor.
What happens next
Before the first joint (four-way) meeting, your solicitor will coordinate with the other party’s lawyer to set an agenda and prepare for a respectful discussion. At the first four-way meeting, both parties will share their objectives and sign a participation agreement. This includes commitments such as:
- Not going to court.
- Prioritising the needs of any children involved.
- Being honest and constructive in finding solutions.
Depending on the complexity of your case, several meetings might be needed. Your solicitor will assist you throughout, helping to resolve conflicts, ensuring full disclosure of information and preparing the final agreement.
Third party experts can be brought into the process to advise you individually and jointly on issues such as financial needs and pension matters.
Final agreement
Once all issues are resolved, a final meeting will be held to approve and sign the agreement. Your solicitor will then take steps to finalise and lodge with the court. Once the agreement has been approved by the judge it will become legally binding.
Meet our family law team
Why choose Thomas Mansfield for collaborative law?
At Thomas Mansfield Family Law, we bring a wealth of expertise and a client centred approach to collaborative law.
Our team includes highly trained collaborative law solicitors with extensive experience in resolving complex family issues.
Our excellence in family law is recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, independent legal directories that assess firms based on client feedback and expertise.
With offices across London and the South East, as well as remote options, we provide the support you need, wherever you are.
With Thomas Mansfield, you can count on:
-
Expert guidance from experienced collaborative lawyers.
-
A personal approach focused on your goals and family’s well-being.
-
A commitment to reducing conflict and keeping the process as stress-free as possible.
-
A proven track record of success in helping clients achieve fair and lasting agreements.
Call us on 020 7426 4915 or
Request a callback
What clients say about us
Thomas Mansfield has an exceptional and highly collaborative team. Whenever my key point of contact has been away, issues are quickly picked up and dealt with by other members of the team, all of whom appear to have a great, collective and collaborative understanding of their clients’ issues.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way of preparing for arbitration, collaborative law or mediation sessions?
What happens if one party doesn't comply with an out of court decision?
It depends on the process. Agreements reached in family mediation or collaborative law aren't legally binding unless they're turned into a consent order approved by the court. Once that happens, the court can enforce the terms if someone doesn't comply.
Arbitration is different: the arbitrator's decision is legally binding from the outset and enforceable like a court judgment. If one side ignores it, legal action can be taken -- sometimes with financial penalties. Your family arbitration solicitor can explain your options if this becomes an issue.
How can arbitration help with divorce or separation?
Arbitration is a private way of resolving disputes. You and your partner appoint an arbitrator, who acts much like a judge, to make a decision on finances or child arrangements. It's often faster and more flexible than going through the courts, and it avoids the delays -- and publicity -- that court cases can involve.
For many couples, arbitration provides a clear outcome in a quicker, more discreet setting.
What is collaborative law in divorce proceedings?
Collaborative law means both you and your partner -- and your solicitors -- commit to resolving everything outside court. You'll attend a series of face-to-face meetings, working together to agree on finances, property, and child arrangements.
A key feature is that if the process breaks down, the solicitors involved can't go on to represent you in court. That rule helps keep everyone focused on reaching an agreement.
Can a divorcing couple use the same solicitor?
Can out of court approaches be used to address child arrangements & support?
Are agreements reached through arbitration, mediation, and collaborative law legally binding?
How does mediation work in divorce or separation cases?
Mediation involves sitting down with a trained mediator, who helps you and your partner talk through issues like money, property and arrangements for your children. The mediator doesn't take sides but helps keep discussions focused and constructive.
Mediation is usually quicker, less stressful and less costly than going to court. Any agreement you reach can later be made legally binding through a consent order.
Ready to talk things through?
Speak with our family law solicitors.
Family matters often involve important decisions about your future and your children. Our experienced family law solicitors provide thoughtful, specialist advice tailored to your circumstances.
Complete our form to arrange an initial discussion, or call us to speak directly with our family law team.
Contact us
Please note we cannot offer Legal Aid.