Ruth Hetherington, from FDR Law, talks about the options for avoiding court in a dispute

QUESTION > What are the benefits of collaborative law, and why would I choose this route over going to court?

ANSWER > It’s not easy going to court and being faced with your ex-partner and trying to understand the processes.

It’s easy for us to go to court as lawyers – we know what we’re doing, and we know what we’re supposed to be saying.

For clients, it can be a very daunting experience, so I think going to court is hugely challenging.

Collaborative law offers a different route.

You must be trained to do collaborative law; you cannot just engage with any solicitor as they must be formally trained for you go down this route.

The process involves a series of meetings between clients and their solicitors.

You can see solicitors working together, which is something that is hugely beneficial as it also means you don’t have correspondence going back and forth.

Collaborative law allows within your meeting to remove the misunderstandings and the animosity that correspondence can cause.

You are able to sit down and work constructively with lawyers to come to a solution.

It can be a faster route which avoids the courts.

You are more in control of the process as you are not having the judge deciding what should happen in your life, which is quite difficult. It is a process which I believe is usually beneficial for people.

n For collaborative law advice and support, contact Ruth Hetherington at FDR Law on 230000 or email ruth.hetherington@fdrlaw.co.uk.