Collaborative Family Law based in London, Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire
Going through a separation is difficult enough without the process making it harder. Finding an approach that works for you both matters. Collaborative family law gives you and your former partner a structured, out-of-court process to work through the practicalities with your own solicitor beside you throughout. It’s built around agreement and tends to be faster and less costly than going to court.
Our collaborative lawyers are based across Southampton, Salisbury, Bournemouth, Winchester, Poole, and London.
Speak to our collaborative law solicitors today on 0800 2800 421 or via our online enquiry form.
What is collaborative family law?
Collaborative family law is a form of dispute resolution that allows separating couples to negotiate financial, property, and child arrangements with a commitment to agree matters outside of court. Each person appoints their own specially trained collaborative lawyer, and discussions take place in face-to-face meetings attended by both parties and their solicitors. Any agreement reached is formalised into a legally binding document.
Unlike mediation, where a neutral third party guides discussions but neither person has their own legal representation, collaborative law means your respective solicitors are in the room with you at every meeting.
Collaborative family law services we offer
Collaborative family law can be used to resolve most issues that arise from a separation or divorce. Our collaborative law solicitors work with you across all of the following areas.
Financial settlements
Dividing finances is often the most complex part of any separation. The collaborative process gives both parties space to discuss assets, income, pensions, and debts openly, with the support of your solicitor and, where needed, independent financial specialists. It allows you to consider financial options for settlement, with the aim of reaching a settlement that will work best for you and your family. Discussions will be held without the delay and cost of court proceedings. Your solicitor will make sure any agreement is legally sound and properly documented.
Children and parenting arrangements
Collaborative law is particularly well suited to resolving arrangements for children, including where they live, how time is shared, schooling, and other parenting decisions. Keeping discussions out of court helps protect children from conflict and gives parents more control over the outcome.
Separation agreements
If you are not married but separating from a long-term partner, collaborative law can help you reach a separation agreement covering finances, property, and any children. These agreements can be made legally binding once finalised.
How collaborative family law works
- Commit to the process
Both you and your former partner agree to resolve matters collaboratively and sign a participation agreement confirming you won’t issue any court applications.
- Instruct your solicitors
Each of you appoints your own collaborative lawyer who is trained specifically in this process, and they will represent and advise you throughout.
- Attend joint meetings
You meet together with both solicitors present to work through the issues. Additional specialists, such as financial advisers, can be brought in where needed.
- Reach an agreement
Once you’ve agreed on all matters, your solicitors formalise the outcome into a legally binding court order or separation agreement.
Why choose Trethowans for collaborative family law
Our family law team has the training, experience, and ethos to make the collaborative process work, and to make it as straightforward as possible for you.
Recognised expertise
Our family law team have been recognised by several independent organisations. We are acknowledged in both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. Our lawyers are also listed by ThreeBestRated and Wiselaw.
Our commitment to Resolution
As members of Resolution, we follow a code of practice that prioritises constructive, non-confrontational outcomes, which sits at the heart of collaborative law. Grant Cameron, Partner, previously served as National Chair of Resolution.
Specialist collaborative training
Not every family lawyer is a collaborative lawyer. Our solicitors are specifically trained in the collaborative process, so you can be confident you’re working with someone who knows how to get the best from it.
Speak to our collaborative solicitors today
We offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation to help you understand your options. Our collaborative law solicitors will listen to your situation, answer your questions, and help you consider whether the collaborative process is right for you, with no pressure to proceed.
Meet us in person
We have offices across the south of England and a base in London, making it straightforward to meet a family law solicitor face to face. You can find us in Bournemouth, Poole, Salisbury, Southampton and Winchester, with London appointments available on request.
Get in touch
Call us today on 0800 2800 421 or make an enquiry online to arrange your free initial consultation.
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Frequently asked questions about collaborative family law
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Collaborative family law works best when both parties are willing to negotiate in good faith and want to avoid court. It is particularly well suited to separating couples with children, shared assets, or an ongoing relationship, such as co-parenting, where maintaining a constructive dynamic matters.
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Yes. Collaborative family law requires both parties to commit to the process. You each sign a participation agreement at the outset, confirming your intention to resolve matters without going to court. If one party is unwilling to engage, collaborative law cannot proceed.
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The key difference is legal representation. In mediation, a neutral third party facilitates discussions but neither person has their own solicitor in the room. In collaborative law, each party has their own specially trained collaborative lawyer present throughout every meeting, providing advice at every stage.
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Yes. Collaborative law for divorce allows couples to reach agreement on financial settlements, property, and child arrangements without going to court. Once an agreement is reached, it can be formalised into a legally binding consent order, which is then submitted to the court for approval.
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If the collaborative process breaks down and court proceedings become necessary, both collaborative lawyers must step aside. Each party then instructs a new solicitor to handle the court case. This rule is built into the process to keep both parties focused on reaching an agreement.
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The collaborative process typically takes between three and twelve months, depending on the complexity of the issues involved and how quickly both parties can reach agreement. It is generally faster than contested court proceedings, which can take considerably longer.
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Collaborative family law costs vary depending on the complexity of your case and the number of meetings required. It is generally more cost-effective than going to court, where legal fees can escalate significantly. Your solicitor will give you a clear indication of likely costs at the outset.
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