FOR many couples, deciding to separate and then divorce is a painful and emotionally draining experience, but the turmoil is often prolonged due to lengthy court battles.
However, there is an alternative, as a collective of Merseyside lawyers are eager to inform people.
The Merseyside Collaborative Law Group (MCLG) promotes a new approach to dealing with relationship breakdown, replacing the stresses and strains of appearing in court with negotiations among clients and their lawyers taking place in a comfortable environment.
"In order to engage in this process, couples sign an agreement not to go to court, and agree to resolve their dispute in a civilised and dignified way.
"The needs of any children are always at the forefront of everyone's minds," maintains member Liza Watson, head of family law at Goodmans solicitors, who hosted the MCLG's most recent meeting.
"Any issues including the mechanics of the divorce/separation, finances and children are discussed among clients and their lawyers in the comfort of an office, leaving clients in control of the outcome,� she adds.
"Experts, such as parenting consultants and independent financial advisers, can also be invited to join meetings, adding to the informed and mature style of the procedure.�
Although in its early stages, the MCLG believes collaborative law is becoming a popular choice for couples and feedback so far has revealed that clients feel a greater sense of ownership and find the experience less time-consuming and far less intimidating than traditional divorce proceedings.
The MCLG, established at the beginning of 2006, meets bi-monthly and has 12 members from across Merseyside.
Watson added: "Collaborative Law has really taken off in the last twelve months. The lawyers involved are all keen to support each other as we feel this a positive development in family law.
"If a client chooses to engage in collaborative law, their spouse or partner must appoint their own family lawyer and so members of the MCLG often have to recommend each other.
Watson concluded: "The group has become a strong support network both for each other and for the clients whom we serve. It's as though the loss of perceived rivalry between opposing family lawyers filters through to our respective clients and this makes the whole process far more relaxed."