Wealden Times | WT191 | January 2018 | Interiors supplement inside

Does divorce inevitably mean war?
The simple answer is no!
It is a commonly held belief that when a relationship breaks down, there must be
a winner and therefore there must be a loser. It is that belief and the fear of being
the “loser” that leads so many people to fight, even before they have had a chance
to consider what it is they are fighting for, but what if there was another way…
Collaborative Law is a process in
which each person is supported by
their own collaboratively trained
lawyer. Rather than communicating
through Solicitors’ letters and
emails, the parties and their
lawyers attend meetings at which
they are free to discuss every
possible issue arising from the
breakdown of the relationship. It
is only through those discussions
that real, constructive progress
can be made and an agreement
reached which is tailored to
their specific circumstances.
One of our clients has described how
he found the collaborative process:
“Collaborative divorce was not
something we had heard of. In fact,
we were wary of engaging lawyers
as we didn’t want an amicable split
to become acrimonious. When we
were told about collaboration it
seemed ideal, so we agreed on this
route. The experience has been a
real eye opener. Sitting in a room
together and discussing what is
best for both parties in a relaxed
and supportive way has turned a
scary situation into one that has
actually helped us to retain trust
and an ongoing friendship. And
our lawyers have been excellent,
they have facilitated rather than
directed – meaning that it has
been my wife and I who have jointly
made all the decisions. The crime
here is that collaboration is not
more visible to divorcing couples.”
Therefore, before engaging in a
war which will inevitably take you
down a path of no return, consider
the alternatives and decide for
yourself which option is truly best
for you both now and in the future.
If you would like further advice we
offer a free 30-minute meeting.
Please contact our team secretary
Khaila Reid on T: 01892 502 335
or E: kreid@bussmurton.co.uk
and quote ‘Wealden Times’.
Please get in touch with our Family team who will be happy to help.
Melanie den Brinker
Margaret Evans
Lora Grogan
Julie Taylor
Kristy Underwood
www.bussmurton.co.uk T: 01892 510 222
TUNBRIDGE WELLS | CRANBROOK | EAST GRINSTEAD | DARTFORD
Buss Murton Law LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership No. OC345994 and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.