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High Profile Celebrity Divorces – Collaborative Style
Added: (Wed Nov 19 2008)
Seen as an alternative form of dispute resolution, Collaborative law is aimed at divorcing couples who need strong legal representation, but would like to avoid going to court. Differing from the usual methods of getting a divorce, the clients agree in advance not to take matters to court and they sign an agreement to that effect.
Family law specialist at Woolley & Co, Sue Harwood, said, “Collaborative law enables each party to appoint their own lawyer but instead of conducting negotiations by letter or phone you meet your partner together with your lawyer to work things out face to face, known as four-way meetings,”
Based in Helston and covering the Truro area, Sue is proud to be one of only 1,000 divorce lawyers in the UK offering collaborative law.
And she believes the method being used by Guy and Madonna – who are among the first celebrity couples to go down this route according to reports – will make the break-up much easier to bear for all involved.
Mrs Harwood added, “This approach to getting a divorce originated in America but has recently been given judicial backing in the UK and is becoming increasingly popular among divorcing couples.
“Couples who have successfully settled their case through collaboration will be able to fast track their Consent Orders through the courts, effectively speeding up the whole process. A Consent Order is the document that sets out the terms of the parties’ agreement, which traditionally can take up to two weeks to be approved by the court.
Collaborative law enables a couple to avoid mudslinging and harmful battles, with all the publicity surrounding Guy and Madonna’s split, the message is set to spread that collaborative law is an option for couples seeking a swift resolution and who are keen to avoid a court room confrontation. This unconventional method of getting a divorce, gives people the chance the negotiate themselves and feel that they are taking control of the situation rather than being left in the hands of the court.”
About Woolley & Co. Solicitors
Woolley & Co is an award-winning family law firm, which employs top-level divorce lawyers working from satellite offices across the Midlands and the south. It has built a reputation for using plain English and offering fixed-fee services, which can be bought directly from its website at www.family-lawfirm.co.uk
Editor’s Note: Woolley & Co. Solicitors is represented by search engine optimisation agency, Top Position. Please direct all press queries to tina@topposition.co.uk Email: tina@topposition.co.uk or call: 01623 726233