How Does Collaborative Family Law Work?

First, choose a Collaborative family lawyer. Our lawyers are members of Collaborative Professionals Victoria and have undergone specialised training in interest-based negotiation and collaborative protocols.

Both parties, with the help of their lawyers, agree in writing to negotiate in good faith and settle without going to court. Removing the "threat" of Court helps the dynamics of the negotiation process.

Both parties meet privately with their lawyers in a series of 4-way meetings to address every issue in a way that focuses on resolving the matter.

Additional experts, such as child specialists, counsellors, accountants and financial advisers, may join the process when required. Once a settlement is reached, the lawyers draw up the paperwork to make your settlement legally binding.

If the collaborative process fails, both lawyers are obliged to cease to act. Both parties must obtain new lawyers to act on their behalf through the traditional Court process.