LEGAL AID TO BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR COLLABORATIVE LAW
Article by: Susan Alexander, 25th January 2010
Following representations from Resolution, First for Family Law (an organisation to which many of our family lawyers belong), the Government has proposed that from 1st October 2010, legal aid will be available for Collaborative Law for the first time.
In Collaborative Law each person appoints their own lawyer, but instead of negotiating by 'phone or letter or in court, both of you and your lawyers meet up together to work things out face to face. Each of you will have your own lawyer by your side throughout the process so you have their legal advice and support as you go.
Collaborative lawyers sign an agreement that disqualifies them from representing you in court if collaborative law breaks down. That means that they are absolutely committed to finding solutions by agreement rather than going to court. This will give all families access to the same range of options when faced with divorce and means more couples will be able to avoid the acrimony of a full-blown court case.
For more information about collaborative law please contact our family department. Or you can download information from Resolution on www.resolution.org.uk