Collaborative law

There is no set answer to this question.  The approach is flexible enough to fit in with the needs, time and other constraints of the people involved.  Many people will find that they reach an agreement in 4 months (there is then the paper processing part, whilst the Court confirms the arrangements and the implementations stages are concluded). However, many people will take longer to deal with things.

On average, solutions are found in 4 to 5 sessions, lasting between 1 ½ to 2 hours per session.

Again, there is no set answer as much will depend on the seniority of the lawyer representing you and the area of the country in which they practice.

Openness and honesty are the two foundation stones of the success of the collaborative approach.

The parties need to each understand that their lawyers will be working together and to do that to the best effect, they must be able to share information with each other.

The collaborative approach has no place for tactical tricks.

This can happen from time to time. What will happen will depend in part upon the cause of the upset.  Sometimes some time out is all that is needed to get back on track.  Sometimes it is more sensible for the meeting to be brought to an end and a new date fixed later.

The two collaborative lawyers will have been trained to deal with these events and will work closely together with the parties to deal with the process whilst acknowledging that there will be upsets along the way.