Collaborative Divorce

Q: Do I have to see my ex partner?

If you are worried about seeing your ex partner, you might consider ‘shuttle mediation’, where you sit in separate rooms and a mediator goes back and forth between you to negotiate a settlement. Arbitration can also be conducted separately. We can help you find an option that works.

Q: How does collaborative divorce work?

The collaborative process involves the signing of a memorandum of understanding saying that you will seek to reach an agreement at a series of round table discussions with lawyers representing each party’s interests. Once a financial settlement has been reached it will often become part of a court order or separation agreement, which can be legally binding.

Q: Do I need a lawyer for collaborative divorce?

Yes, you’ll need a lawyer who’s trained in collaborative law to represent you in a collaborative divorce. Both you and your ex-partner will be represented separately by a legal expert who can navigate the collaboration process. At Irwin Mitchell, we’ve a team of specialist collaborative divorce lawyers who can give you full representation throughout the process.

Our collaboratively trained lawyers will use their experience and skill to make the discussions and negotiations run as smoothly as possible to the benefit of both you and your ex-partner.

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Is collaborative divorce a good option for me?

Through collaborative divorce, you will sign a contract saying you will reach an agreement. You and your ex-partner will have a series of “round table” discussions with your lawyers present.

What you agree will become part of a court order, separation agreement, or child arrangements order, which can be legally binding. This means that if one of you disagrees later on, it can be difficult to change it.

This process works best when:

Both you and your partner want to come to a solution together
You can both still discuss matters openly and productively (even if it gets difficult at times)
You can both have honest conversations about the issues in your divorce or separation throughout the entire process

We know this is easier said than done – but that’s why we’re here to help you communicate, find common ground, and come out with a clear way to move forward.

If you need individual emotional support, you will get four free sessions when you use our services – through our in-house counselling expert Vicky Lambert.

Speak to Vicky

Speak to our expert

We have the largest private client team in the UK, our team of experts are here to provide discreet legal advice to support you and your family.

Clare Wiseman

Head of Family Law

Find out more

Meet our experts

Clare Wiseman

Head of Family Law

Find out more

Experts with the experience to support you

Aside from our renowned family law experts, we can also refer you to other specialist teams across the firm. These teams can help you navigate other areas that need addressing after a divorce. Other teams that could be of help include:

Child arrangements – if you and your partner have children, our solicitors can help you with issues such as with which parent the children live, and how regularly they spend time with the other parent

Conveyancing & property – if you need help with selling your property, buying a new one, or remortgaging your home, our property solicitors can help

Wills – you may need to alter your Will after the ending of your relationship. Our specialist Wills team can give you tailored advice on this, or help you to create a Will from scratch if you haven’t already made one

Counselling – we understand that this can be an emotional time for you. Our in-house counsellor Vicky Lambert offers up to four free counselling sessions, where you can process your emotions. These sessions can be used at any point in the process, with the option of further paid sessions if you need them.

Making an enquiry

We have several ways you can contact us, either by completing our online contact form, by phone, or using our live chat. If you start your journey online, here are the first steps to working together.

Complete our online form
We need a few details to understand your situation and the kind of support you need.
We’ll contact you by phone
On the call our experts will ask you a few more questions to make sure we connect you with the right legal advice from our team.
We arrange a full appointment
Your next step is an in-depth appointment with a specialist solicitor to discuss how we could advise you.

Get in touch

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to see my ex partner?

What if my ex partner isn’t honest?

The collaborative divorce process can only work if there’s some trust and goodwill between you and your ex partner. If you don’t trust them, collaborative divorce may not be for you. If the process fails, you will have to pay for that unsuccessful attempt on top of future court proceedings.

If we sense that your partner is not being honest, we’ll advise you on your options. It may also be possible to re-open your case, if it becomes clear at a later point that your former partner was not honest about their finances at the time of your divorce.

How much does a collaborative divorce cost?

The cost of the collaborative process will be tailored to your circumstances and discussed with you in advance so that you have a full understanding of the charges.

One of the benefits of the collaborative process is that costs are usually more certain and it is generally a more cost-effective way of resolving matters. If you are worried about costs, then we offer a fixed fee divorce that is relevant to those who are still on good terms with their ex-partner. However collaborative law is not part of this service.

How does collaborative divorce work?

Do I need a lawyer for collaborative divorce?

What are the benefits and how long does collaboration take?

Compared to the court process, collaborative divorce has several benefits:
- Quicker - Whilst the court process can typically take at least six months, it’s not uncommon for it to take longer than this (up to two years in some cases). Collaborative divorce normally takes around 6 months

- Cost effective - It is often more cost-effective avoiding potentially expensive court and legal fees

-Less stressful - The collaborative process prides itself on being much less confrontational and much more amicable than going to court or other forms of resolving matters

-Better relationship with your former partner - It can help to maintain a good working relationship with your former partner for the future. This is particularly important if children are involved.

Our commitment to you

Our experts always start by listening, so we understand what matters most from day one.

01
Clear legal guidance
You will always get straightforward, honest advice, with regular updates to keep you clear on the way forward.
02
Specialist knowledge
A wide-ranging team of trusted specialists who understand what it takes to protect your future, your family or your business.
03
Your needs first
Whether you’re navigating complex personal situations or business decisions, we take the time to understand your world and what’s at stake.