It’s a universal truth that divorce and dissolution of civil partnerships can be messy, expensive, and quite heart breaking. When a marriage or partnership has broken down irrevocably, it’s obviously a cause of stress and anguish on both sides- with both parties of course understandably concerned about asset division, financial issues arising from divorce proceedings, and most importantly, how best to cater to the needs of any children involved. Family Law in North Wales has benefited from a relatively new way to proceed when things can’t be patched up – a process called Collaborative Law.
Decidedly far less expensive than going through the Courts, Collaborative Law is hardly a DIY Divorce as there are a number of specialist solicitors within North Wales which are able to assist every step of the way. You’re not on your own.
But how does it work? Collaborative Law is a legal process that enables couples to avoid the uncertain outcome of court and to achieve an agreement that is legally binding, but avoids future litigation. Although “collaborative” divorce sounds like a contradiction if you’ve heard any tales of couples waging long, bitter legal battles over who gets the house, kids, and dog. Judges, solicitors, even laymen to the Courts can tell horror stories of people in pain pitted on opposite sides and fighting to death over who gets the pots and pans.
This is not that. Aimed at people that have no interest in scorching the earth, Collaborative law means that spouses and partners may work together with assistance and advice from their legal advisors in the aim of reaching a fair settlement, without recourse to the Courts because sometimes, doing so is not needed. Just starting the more traditional divorce process costs £550 in England and Wales, and other fees such as court costs (consent and financial orders, to name a few) and possible complications to each stage of the (painful and emotional) process will incur additional fees.
It’s no wonder that many couples choose to stay together and suffer through a marriage neither is happy with when confronted with the costs of getting a divorce. Though legal aid can be obtained, the process of claiming it is both tricky and long. Involving the Courts in amicable separations often feels like paying strangers thousands of pounds to decide what has already been decided, and can be the source of much chagrin. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case. Collaborative Law allows both sides of the coin to come to a mutual arrangement, and most importantly, prevent a lot of pain and expense.
[Image Credit: Keoni Cabral | CC BY 2.0 ]
