"Collaborative" divorce offered in Warrington

By Ben Schofield on Dec 4, 08 03:00 PM

A WARRINGTON law firm is offering clients divorces without the need to go to court.

Forshaws Davies Ridgway (FDR) say "collaborative" family law offers separation "without the drama and stress" often seen when couples meet in court.

FDR's Family solicitors Audrey Venables and Ruth Hetherington, who are both qualified collaborative lawyers, added that the process can mean quicker and more amicable divorces for couples.

Ms Venables told LDPLegal.co.uk: "Collaborative law is a new option that means divorce or separation need not necessarily end in a lengthy and expensive courtroom battle.

"Each person appoints their own lawyer but instead of conducting negotiations between you and your partner by letter or phone you meet together to work things out face to face."

Although the process is not for everyone it could make divorcing significantly less painful and drawn out for couples who have split amicably.

Ms Heterington said: "The process can save an awful lot of time without the need for extensive correspondence between solicitors. Each of you will have your lawyer by your side throughout the entire process for support and also legal advice.

FDR are one of only a handful of legal practices in the area to offer the relatively new collaborative law process which is set to revolutionise the divorce process.

Both lawyers said divorcing couples should seek advice to find out whether the new system could work for them.

Ms Venables continued: "Divorce is always going to be difficult, but the collaborative law process could make things much easier and less painful."