Collaborative Lawyers

Collaborative practice in family law is a non-adversarial process where both parties and their respective collaboratively trained lawyers work together to resolve disputes amicably. This method emphasises communication, mutual respect, and cooperation to reach a settlement that best serves the interests of both parties and any children involved. Legal professionals, mental health specialists, financial advisors and accountants work in collaborative practice.

For more information, please visit the Queensland Collaborative Law website or the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP)’s website.

Collaborative law and mediation are both cooperative methods, but they have some key differences. Mediation involves a neutral third party assisting the parties to negotiate, while collaborative law involves a number of meetings with both parties and their solicitors present. Collaborative law can include mediation and can involve several practitioners from multiple disciplines.

Collaborative family law is ideal for couples in a good working relationship who want to resolve their differences without going to Court. It’s an interests-based style of negotiation that aims to solve all problems amicably.

Communication can be difficult after the end of a relationship, but collaborative law provides an opportunity for an honest exchange of information. Problem-solving is direct and focused on solutions.

There are a few factors to consider whether a Collaborative Family Law process will be right for you and your former partner to navigate the legal aspects of your relationship ending.

If you and your former partner want to reach an agreement working together rather than against each other, then a Collaborative Family Law process will most likely work for you.

It may be more challenging if the separation is high conflict or there are high emotional levels on one or both sides. Separations or divorces where family violence or child abuse is a factor are often not suitable for a collaborative divorce or separation.

A collaboratively trained lawyer is a legal professional who specialises in the collaborative law process. They are trained to facilitate negotiations and problem-solving in family law disputes without going to Court. These lawyers work with clients and other professionals to reach amicable solutions, emphasising collaboration and mutual respect.

Yes, agreements reached through the collaborative law process can be legally binding. Once both parties agree on the terms, the contract can be formalised as a binding legal document, such as a consent order, which is then submitted to the Court for approval. This ensures the enforceability of agreed terms.

Collaboration in law refers to a method of dispute resolution where parties work together cooperatively to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. Often used in family law, this process involves open communication, transparency, and respect. Collaborative law aims to avoid the adversarial nature of traditional litigation, focusing instead on problem-solving and compromise.

The collaborative law process emphasises cooperation, transparency, and respect. Key features include voluntary agreements to avoid litigation, the use of collaboratively trained lawyers, open communication, and the involvement of neutral professionals, such as financial advisors, to facilitate comprehensive and fair resolutions.