collaborative family law
Collaborative Family Law: A Better Way to Separate
Separation is one of the most difficult transitions people go through.
Alongside the emotional impact, there are important decisions to be made about children, finances, and what life will look like moving forward. It can feel overwhelming — and for many people, the fear is that things will become drawn out, expensive, or conflict-driven.
But separation doesn’t have to unfold that way.
There is another approach — one that allows you to work through these decisions with support, clarity and respect, without going to court.
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What Is Collaborative Family Law?
Collaborative Family Law is a structured process that helps separating couples resolve their parenting and financial matters together, with the support of their lawyers and, where needed, other professionals.
You each have your own lawyer, who is there to advise and support you.
The difference is that everyone agrees from the outset: to focus on reaching agreement without going to court.
From there, the process is built around:
- Open, respectful conversations
- Clear and transparent sharing of information
- A focus on practical, workable outcomes
It is a way of moving forward — not against each other, but through the issues together.
Parenting Arrangements
- Supporting children through the transition.
- Where children will live
- Time spent with each parent
- Communication and decision-making
- Supporting children through the transition
Property and Financial Matters
- Supported, structured - with legal advice throughout.
- Division of assets and liabilities
- Financial support arrangements
- Longer-term planning
These discussions happen in a supported, structured way — with the benefit of legal advice throughout.
How the Process Works
- You are part of the conversations - with support around you.
While every matter is different, the collaborative process usually involves:
- Initial meetings with your own lawyer to understand your situation and goals
- A participation agreement, where everyone commits to the process and to working towards resolution
- A series of joint meetings, where both parties and their lawyers come together to discuss and work through issues
- Involvement of other professionals where helpful (for example, financial advisers or a coach/facilitator to support communication)
Rather than communicating through letters and emails, you are part of the conversations — with support around you.
What Makes This Different?
- Having the hard conversations - in a way that leads somewhere.
Many people begin this process thinking:
“We’re getting along — can’t we just work it out ourselves?”
“Won’t this just turn into a fight?”
Collaborative Family Law sits in the middle.
It provides:
- Structure, so things don’t drift or become unclear
- Support, so conversations stay productive
- Legal advice, so you understand your rights and options
- A clear pathway, so you can move forward with confidence
It is not about avoiding the hard conversations.
It is about having them in a way that leads somewhere constructive.
Why Clients Choose This Approach
- Aligned with how you want to handle things - legally and personally.
Clients often choose collaborative practice because they want to:
- Avoid the stress and uncertainty of court
- Reduce conflict — particularly where children are involved
- Stay involved in decisions that affect their lives
- Work towards outcomes that feel fair and workable
- Maintain a level of respect in the relationship moving forward
For many, it’s about finding a way through separation that aligns with how they want to handle things — not just legally, but personally.
What About the Children?
- Parenting decisions made thoughtfully - not under the pressure of court.
For parents, this is often the most important part.
Collaborative practice creates space to:
- Focus on what children need during and after separation
- Reduce exposure to conflict
- Support more effective communication between parents
- Put in place arrangements that are practical and sustainable
It allows parenting decisions to be made thoughtfully — rather than in the pressure of a court process.
Will It Work for Every Situation?
Not always.
There are situations where court is necessary — for example, where there are urgent concerns, safety issues, or a complete inability to engage.
But for many families, collaborative practice offers a genuine alternative — one that is structured, supported, and focused on resolution.
Our Approach
At Life Law Solutions, collaborative practice is part of how we approach better law.
- Elizabeth is collaboratively trained in both family law and wills & estates, and is a Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP), bringing expertise to complex matters across both areas.
- Fraser is collaboratively trained in family law and also works within the process as a facilitator or coach, supporting communication and helping keep discussions constructive and on track.
We work with you – and with other professionals where appropriate – to create a process that is thoughtful, practical, and tailored to your situation.
starting the conversation
If you’re wondering whether this approach might work for you, you don’t need to decide straight away.
A first conversation can help you understand how the process works in your situation, explore whether it’s a good fit, and consider your options moving forward.
From there, we can help you take the next step – in a way that feels clear, supported, and right for you.
Download our 'A Better Way to Separate' eBook
Download our 'Resolve Estate Disputes Without Litigation' eBook
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