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How can we support your collaborative family law needs?

Collaborative Law offers a new and constructive way to resolve disputes by focusing on cooperation rather than confrontation.

Instead of preparing for court, both parties work alongside their own specially trained solicitors to reach an agreement through open and honest discussions.

By removing the adversarial pressures of litigation, the process can significantly reduce both the financial and emotional strain that often accompanies relationship breakdowns.

For separating couples, it provides a calmer and more respectful environment that can help protect family relationships and minimise the impact on children.

Our team is pleased to announce that Collaborative Law is a new service that we can offer for our Family Law clients.

Our Director and Head of the Family Law team, Stuart Daniel, explains how we can provide this support alongside our existing services.

Why is Collaborative Law needed?

In recent years, there has been an increased interest in avoiding court proceedings for resolving disputes that can arise upon relationship breakdown and divorce.

The courts actively encourage Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) and there is a growing expectation that many cases should be settled through alternative means where possible.

For some couples, court proceedings remain necessary, for instance, where there has been domestic abuse, coercive or controlling behaviour, financial non-disclosure or where previous attempts at resolution have not been successful.

However, for many separating couples, Collaborative Law may be a viable option.

How does the Collaborative Law process work?

Collaborative Law involves bringing both individuals and their legal advisors together in a series of face-to-face meetings with the shared aim of resolving financial matters or child arrangements without resorting to litigation.

Both parties must commit fully to the process and agree not to issue court proceedings, confirmed through the signing of a Participation Agreement.

These meetings are tailored to the issues in dispute and may involve other neutral professionals, such as family counsellors, pension experts or financial advisors, to help the couple reach informed and lasting decisions.

How can it be more time and cost-effective?

Court proceedings typically take 6-12 months or longer to conclude and litigation can be expensive and unpredictable.

Unless both parties reach an agreement during the process, the final decision will be imposed by a Judge or Magistrates.

Collaborative Law, by contrast, offers a faster and more cost-effective way to resolve matters.

The couple can retain control of the outcome and solutions can often be reached in a fraction of the time, with much less emotional strain.

How can we support you?

Stuart Daniel brings over 20 years of Family Law and litigation experience to the collaborative process, ensuring clients receive clear guidance alongside a solution-focused approach.

With nearly 125 years of serving the Coventry and Warwickshire community, our team at Mander Hadley are proud to offer a range of legal services to both individuals and commercial clients.

If you are considering the Collaborative Law process or have any other Family Law concerns, we offer in-person appointments at our Kenilworth, Coventry or Warwick offices, as well as remote consultations by video link or telephone.

To arrange a meeting with Stuart and discuss your options, including that of Collaborative Law, please get in touch with us today.

Stuart Daniel

Director – Head of Family Department

I qualified as a Solicitor in 2006 and now specialise in divorce, financial settlements, childcare arrangements and Pre Nuptial Agreements. I have many years’ experience as a private family lawyer having worked with two other local firms before returning to Mander Hadley, where I first undertook work experience during my university studies.