Collaborative Family Law: Is it for me?

Guiding Principles of Collaborative Law

• To reduce conflict
• To promote more effective communication between parties
• To achieve fair and equitable results within a legal framework
• To review rights and obligations under the existing law
• To represent our clients in a collaborative atmosphere
• To make the process cost effective

What is Collaborative Law?

• It is a conflict resolution process which does not rely on court imposed resolution
• The participants, parties and lawyers, believe that it is in the best interests of parties and their families to avoid litigation
• Participants are committed to resolving differences justly and equitably
• It is a new Alternative Dispute Resolution approach to settlement of family problems
• The future well-being of your family is the number one goal

The lawyers on the Collaborative Law Panel:

• are members of the Middlesex Family Lawyers Association
• have taken requisite training
• participate in regular ongoing continuing education
• are committed to Collaborative Family Law

How to get started on a Collaborative Family Law process to resolve your family problems

• talk with your spouse about collaborative family law and share this brochure
• you and your spouse each choose a lawyer committed to the Collaborative Family process
• meet with your lawyer to discuss your case and the details of the collaborative law process in your situation
• both spouses and both lawyers sign a collaborative law agreement (see below)
• all attend the first collaborative meeting

Read related articles by Nora Underwood from the Jan. 21, 2002 edition of Maclean's

• The Happy Divorce -- How to break up and make up,
• The gay breakup -- not so gay,
• Marital fixes,

Files available for download here (WordPerfect 9 format)

• Collaborative Agreement
• Collaborative Agreement template
• Principles and Guidelines for the Practice of Collaborative Law
• Principles and Guidelines for Collaborative Law Cases
• Treatment of Children

How to reach us

Visit our Mediation Centre Inc. if family, civil, resource stewardship, condominium or municipal mediation or alternative dispute resolution can better meet your needs.