Collaborative practice

At Forsters, we find this model works particularly well for nuptial agreements and financial settlement negotiations. We have four collaboratively trained solicitors in the team who are market leaders in this work – Joanne Edwards; Simon Blain; Amanda Sandys and Christine Abbotts.

• Privacy. The venue can be far more discreet than a busy court building – particularly important for high-profile individuals or in sensitive circumstances.
• On your terms. You and your partner are directly involved in the discussions whilst also being supported by your solicitor. Consequently, parties often feel empowered and more positive moving forward.
• Improved communication. The collaborative process can help to improve communication with your partner, which can be particularly beneficial where you need to continue working together as co-parents.
• At your pace. As the process is not driven by a court timetable, it can move at your pace, meeting your family’s immediate and long-term needs and priorities.
• Open advice. As collaborative practice is all about sharing advice and non-positional discussions, there is less ‘posturing’, with common ground generally identified more quickly than in court proceedings.

You can discover more about our collaborative practice in Christine’s article Is Collaborative practice the answer? This short case study also sets out an example of a successful collaborative practice approach.