Alternatives to Court

Alternative Approaches To Family Law

Most people going through a divorce or separation would rather avoid having to go to court if possible. Family mediation and collaborative family law are alternatives to litigation in the courts to resolve family disputes and / or make arrangements about children, finances and other personal matters after separation or divorce. They are both forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution and are becoming increasingly common amongst couples who are seeking an alternative approach and wish to resolve matters in as amicable a way as possible.

Family Mediation

Family mediators are trained to help people resolve disputes. A family mediator will meet with you and your partner and will identify those issues you can’t agree on and help you to try and reach agreement. Mediators are neutral and will not take sides in any dispute. They are not advisors and will not give advice on your individual position to either of you and will usually recommend that you each obtain legal advice alongside the family mediation process.

For more information about family mediation click here.

Collaborative Law

The collaborative family law process is a relatively new way of dealing with family disputes. Each person appoints their own lawyer but instead of conducting negotiations between you and your partner by letter or phone you meet together to work things out face to face.

Each of you will have your lawyer by your side throughout the entire process and therefore you will benefit from legal advice as you go. The aim of collaborative law is to resolve family disputes without going to court.

For more information about collaborative law click here.