Collaborative resolution a voluntary, non-adversarial dispute resolution process used to settle separations, divorces, or other family disputes out of court. It involves face-to-face meetings with trained professionals to reach a tailored agreement, focusing on future interests rather than legal entitlements, often saving time, money, and emotional stress.

Key Aspects of the Collaborative Process

• No Court Commitment: Participants sign a contract agreeing to resolve issues without court intervention. If the process breaks down and the matter goes to court, the collaborative lawyers cannot continue to represent them.

• Focus on Interests: Rather than focusing on what someone is "entitled to", the process focuses on what is important to each party and their family.

• Structured Meetings: Legal matters are resolved through structured, face-to-face meetings involving both parties and their specialized collaborative lawyers.

• Interdisciplinary Team: The process often brings in other experts, such as accountants or divorce coaches, to help create sustainable, long-term agreements.

• Confidentiality: The process is confidential, helping to keep private family matters out of the public domain.

Benefits

• Reduced Conflict: Designed to be more respectful, amicable, and peaceful.

• Control: Parties retain control over decisions rather than having a judge impose a solution.

• Sustainable Outcomes: Focuses on preserving relationships, which is especially beneficial for co-parenting.

• Avoiding Court-based delays.

Finding Practitioners
Specialized collaborative lawyers, including Stephanie Rose and a number of her local colleagues, are trained to guide parties through this process to achieve amicable and respectful separations.

* Visit the website of Collaborative Law NZ for more information: www.collaborativelaw.co.nz.