Collaborative Law

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When relationships break down, disagreements over finances, property, or arrangements for children can quickly escalate.

Sometimes these disputes become so entrenched that only a court can resolve them. However, when the court imposes a decision, the outcome may not be what either party truly wants, often leaving everyone feeling frustrated and powerless.

The good news is that there is an alternative – collaborative law.

How disputes are traditionally resolved

In most separations, each person seeks independent advice from a family lawyer. The lawyers then negotiate on behalf of their clients to reach an agreement on issues such as dividing money and property, or deciding how the children will be cared for after the separation.

While this can work, it often places the decision-making firmly in the hands of lawyers and, ultimately, the court.

What is collaborative law?

Collaborative law takes a different approach. Instead of lawyers negotiating separately, both parties and their solicitors sit down together in a series of face-to-face meetings. The goal is to reach a mutually acceptable agreement that works for everyone involved.

This method allows you to stay in control, set the agenda, and discuss the matters that are most important to you – without the constraints of court deadlines or formal procedures.

Who is collaborative law for?

For collaborative law to be effective, both parties must be committed to making it work. It requires:

A shared desire to find solutions rather than focus on demands
Willingness to communicate openly and honestly
Engagement of specially trained collaborative family lawyers

The benefits of collaborative law

When carried out with the right attitude, collaborative law can be highly successful. You:

Stay in control of the process
Decide the pace of discussions
Maintain privacy and avoid court hearings
Benefit from ongoing expert legal advice
Focus on fair, practical solutions rather than “winning”

A constructive approach to family breakdown

For couples who genuinely want to achieve a fair resolution and reduce the stress of separation, collaborative law can provide the best possible outcome.

It gives you the space, support, and structure to move forward with dignity and understanding.

For further information, please contact Hayley Crossman-Shaw on 01904 528391or email hcs@hethertons.co.uk

What our clients are saying about us

Mr J, York

Very good service Simon Nellar and Kate excellent service.

Ms T, York

I contacted Hethertons when i was going through a difficult time in my life and needed their advice. Hethertons Solicitors was knowledgeable, professional and supportive throughout this time and ensured i received the very best advice to enable me to make...

Ms C, York

The two biggest decisions you make when getting divorced are: deciding to get divorced and which solicitors to represent you. Hethertons were recommended to me by a friend who had just completed her own divorce. My financial advisor was also...

Mr P, York

Fantastic service, fantastic people very professional in very difficult times, can’t thank you enough.

Mrs C, York

I found Hethertons advice and counsel caring towards me as your client and extremely professional. I will have no hesitation in recommending your company to my family and friends.

Mr G, York

I was very pleased how my case was handled and can confirm that the contact that Hethertons helped me to achieve has gone ahead without any problems. For that I owe a big thank you to the team at Hethertons...

Mr S, York

Hethertons Solicitors has guided me through a very difficult separation and divorce over the last year. He has given pragmatic advice in clear English with patience and empathy. I would not hesitate in recommending Hethertons Solicitors’ team to anyone who unfortunately...

Mr S, York

I would like to thank Mr. Jones who did a great job but also the rest of the team who were always happy to help.

Mrs L, York

Hethertons Solicitors handled my divorce with calmness, kindness, professionalism and a real understanding of how to make a distressing and painful process as easy he could. I felt he handled everything with a real degree of compassion and never lost...

Ms T, York

I have been very happy with the work Hethertons Solicitors have carried out for me and that you have done this in the manner I requested, ie to keep my divorce as amicable as possible. Would definitely recommend Hethertons Solicitors.

Mr B, Newsham

I was looking for a solicitor due to my forthcoming divorce. I choose a solicitor out of the yellow pages local and nearby to my place of work at York – Holgate. To my surprise I was instantly transferred to the...

Ms L, York

Hethertons Solicitors was amazing throughout my proceedings. He made me feel calm and comfortable during every step. What I thought may be a difficult process was in fact simple and smooth running. I felt that he always treat my matter with sensitivity...

Mr H, York

Hethertons Solicitor have provided there most professional advice and help in making my divorce painless over the last 2 years. Hethertons was very helpful all the way through the process keeping me up to date with everything that was going...

Ms Q, York

We were completely satisfied with everything especially the way things were explained in ‘plain English’

Ms B, York

I was completely happy with the service provided by Hethertons. Everything was explained to me clearly and in a respectful manner, and I was kept informed of progress made. I would recommend Hethertons to anyone needing this service. Thank you...

Mrs S, York

Hethertons handled my mediation in a sensitive and unbiased way. He managed to put me at ease and alleviate many of my worries in potentially painful circumstances.

Ms S, Harrogate

I would definitely use the services again if needed.

Mr M, York

The help provided by Hethertons was invaluable and extremely supportive during difficult and somewhat traumatic times.

Mr W, London

Excellent advice and service that we appreciated.

Ms S, York

I cannot recommend Hethertons highly enough. The service and support I have received from Simon Nellar has been second to none. The positive outcome in my complex and difficult litigation would not have been possible without Simon’s detailed knowledge and understanding...

Mr T, London

“I must say that the advice you have given as regards the pension is fantastic and very clear. I would have loved to get similar advice from my family lawyer but I have not. You are a great team at...