Collaborative Solutions
28/11/2008Two leading Cumbrian family lawyers have undertaken specialist training in new and advanced techniques to resolve matrimonial cases.
John Osborne of Temple Heelis Solicitors and David Lavelle of Thomson Wilson Pattinson have just completed the Collaborative Family Law Foundation Course run by the national family lawyers’ organisation, Resolution.
The process of Collaborative Practice involves lawyers and clients negotiating in a series of face-to-face meetings to resolve financial settlements and issues in respect of children. Other key features are that there is minimal use of solicitors’ letters and a written agreement that the separating couple will not go to court with their appointed lawyers if negotiations break down.
The main aim of the process is to resolve all issues arising from a separation without confrontation and to try and avoid costly and stressful court proceedings.
Both Kendal solicitors have now formed an administrative group with the other Collaborative solicitors in the area (Ingleton, Lancaster and Morecambe) in order to promote their work and provide professional support.
John Osborne commented “a divorce or separation has both a financial and emotional cost. This new, client-focused process aims to keep the emotional cost to a minimum and in many cases will reduce the financial costs, where an expensive court hearing is avoided.”
David Lavelle added "In addition, the fact that their parents can be seen to be working out their problems constructively sends out tremendously positive signals to the children”.
John Osborne is based at Temple Heelis’s Kendal office and can be contacted on 01539 816184.