Is Collaborative Law right for You?
Find out whether your matter is suitable for collaborative law.
Amicable solution for divorce and separation
Separation and Divorce = heartache ? it does not have to be that way!
If you want to resolve your family law matter with dignity, clarity and care, while preserving an amicable relationship with your former partner, collaborative practice may be the right option for you.
At Smart Choice Law, we offer a boutique and personalised approach to family law. We can help you work through your legal issues collaboratively, with a focus on respectful communication, practical solutions and long-term wellbeing.
A considered alternative to court
Collaborative practice is an alternative to going to court. It allows separating couples to resolve their family law matters in a private, respectful and non-adversarial way, with the support of trained professionals.
This may include collaboratively trained lawyers, financial advisors, family consultants, child consultants, divorce coaches or psychologists, depending on the needs of your family.
The aim is to help both parties reach thoughtful, practical and workable solutions, while preserving important family relationships wherever possible.
What is collaborative practice?
Collaborative practice is a process that helps separating couples resolve disputes without going to court.
Rather than treating separation as a battle, collaborative practice focuses on open communication, respectful negotiation and problem-solving. It gives you and your former partner the opportunity to work together, with professional support, to reach an outcome that reflects your family’s needs and priorities.
How does it work?
For the collaborative process to work, both parties must agree to stay out of court.
Each person has their own collaboratively trained lawyer. Issues are then discussed openly and respectfully in a series of meetings, with the assistance of the professional team.
This approach encourages transparency, reduces misunderstandings and helps both parties focus on reaching a resolution, rather than escalating conflict.
Because the process is structured and tailored, it can provide greater clarity and certainty around the process, the next steps and the professional support required.
How can collaborative practice benefit you?
Collaborative practice allows your needs, concerns and priorities to be considered in a more holistic way.
With the support of the right professionals, you can work through legal, financial, parenting and emotional issues in a calm and supported environment.
It can also help reduce the stress and uncertainty that often comes with separation, particularly when compared to a more adversarial court process.
How can collaborative practice benefit your children?
Collaborative practice can be particularly helpful for families with children.
Because the process is non-adversarial, it can help parents maintain a more respectful working relationship after separation. This can make it easier to communicate, make parenting arrangements and support your children through the changes in your family.
Reducing conflict between parents can also help lessen the emotional stress children may experience during separation.
How do you know the matter will not simply end up in court?
At the beginning of the collaborative process, both parties sign an agreement confirming that they will not take the matter to court while participating in the collaborative process.
This means neither party can use the threat of court proceedings as a negotiation tactic during the process.
Find out more
If you would like to resolve your family law matter amicably and collaboratively, we can help.
Contact our office to find out more about our boutique collaborative family law services and whether this approach may be suitable for your situation or Book a complimentary 15-minute strategy call to discuss your matter below.
At Smart Choice Law, we offer a boutique and personalised approach to family law. We can help you work through your legal issues collaboratively, with a focus on respectful communication, practical solutions and long-term wellbeing.
A considered alternative to court
Collaborative practice is an alternative to going to court. It allows separating couples to resolve their family law matters in a private, respectful and non-adversarial way, with the support of trained professionals.
This may include collaboratively trained lawyers, financial advisors, family consultants, child consultants, divorce coaches or psychologists, depending on the needs of your family.
The aim is to help both parties reach thoughtful, practical and workable solutions, while preserving important family relationships wherever possible.
What is collaborative practice?
Collaborative practice is a process that helps separating couples resolve disputes without going to court.
Rather than treating separation as a battle, collaborative practice focuses on open communication, respectful negotiation and problem-solving. It gives you and your former partner the opportunity to work together, with professional support, to reach an outcome that reflects your family’s needs and priorities.
How does it work?
For the collaborative process to work, both parties must agree to stay out of court.
Each person has their own collaboratively trained lawyer. Issues are then discussed openly and respectfully in a series of meetings, with the assistance of the professional team.
This approach encourages transparency, reduces misunderstandings and helps both parties focus on reaching a resolution, rather than escalating conflict.
Because the process is structured and tailored, it can provide greater clarity and certainty around the process, the next steps and the professional support required.
How can collaborative practice benefit you?
Collaborative practice allows your needs, concerns and priorities to be considered in a more holistic way.
With the support of the right professionals, you can work through legal, financial, parenting and emotional issues in a calm and supported environment.
It can also help reduce the stress and uncertainty that often comes with separation, particularly when compared to a more adversarial court process.
How can collaborative practice benefit your children?
Collaborative practice can be particularly helpful for families with children.
Because the process is non-adversarial, it can help parents maintain a more respectful working relationship after separation. This can make it easier to communicate, make parenting arrangements and support your children through the changes in your family.
Reducing conflict between parents can also help lessen the emotional stress children may experience during separation.
How do you know the matter will not simply end up in court?
At the beginning of the collaborative process, both parties sign an agreement confirming that they will not take the matter to court while participating in the collaborative process.
This means neither party can use the threat of court proceedings as a negotiation tactic during the process.
Find out more
If you would like to resolve your family law matter amicably and collaboratively, we can help.
Contact our office to find out more about our boutique collaborative family law services and whether this approach may be suitable for your situation or Book a complimentary 15-minute strategy call to discuss your matter below.
nEED CLARITY
Book a complimentary 15-minute strategy call to discuss your matter and receive clear guidance about your next steps.
Find out more about our signature solution
Discover Start Fresh, our signature solution designed to help you separate with clarity, care and a focus on keeping things amicable.
Find out even more about collaborative law with our blog
sMART CHOICE LAW BLOG
Discover valuable insights and practical advice
on family law, parenting after separation, and property
settlements on the Smart Choice Law blog, designed to
support you through every step of your separation journey.
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Free Resources
Helpful resources and information in Family Law, Divorce, Parenting Matters, Child Support, Domestic Violence, Legal Aid and other useful links.