what is collaborative practice
Collaborative Practice is a Different Way to Work Things Out
When you’re facing a separation, planning your estate, or dealing with an estate dispute, it’s easy to feel like your options are limited.
For many people, the default assumption is:
“We’ll probably end up in court.”
But that isn’t always the case.
There is another way – one that allows you to work through things with the right support, structure and advice, without unnecessary conflict.
That approach is called Collaborative Practice.
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What Is Collaborative Practice - Really?
At its core, collaborative practice is a structured way of resolving legal matters together, rather than in opposition.
It brings people around the table – with their lawyers and, where helpful, other professionals – to have supported, focused conversations about what needs to be resolved.
You still receive legal advice. You are still properly represented. The difference is in how the process is designed.
Collaborative practice is:
- Structured, not informal
- Supported, not left to chance
- Focused on resolution, not litigation
Here is what that looks like in practice.
How It Works
In a collaborative process:
- You each have your own collaboratively trained lawyer
- Everyone agrees from the outset to focus on reaching agreement without going to court
- Meetings take place face-to-face (or online), with everyone present
- Information is shared openly and transparently
- Discussions are guided and supported, so they remain constructive and focused
Where needed, other professionals can be involved, for example:
- Financial advisers or accountants
- Coaches or facilitators
- Counsellors or child specialists
- This means decisions are made with the benefit of the right expertise, at the right time.
What Makes This Different?
It is common to hear, “But aren’t all lawyers collaborative?”
In one sense, yes – most lawyers aim to resolve matters where possible. But collaborative practice is different because it is a defined process, not just a style.
It Is a Process, Not Just a Style
- What sets collaborative practice apart.
Key differences include:
- A shared commitment not to go to court while the process is underway
- A team-based approach, rather than two sides working against each other
- Direct, supported conversations, rather than back-and-forth correspondence
- A focus on interests and outcomes, not just legal positions
If the process doesn’t work and court becomes necessary, the collaborative lawyers step aside. This helps keep everyone focused on resolution from the outset.
When Does It Work Best?
Collaborative practice can be particularly helpful where:
- You want to avoid court, if possible
- There is a desire to reduce conflict, even if things feel difficult right now
- There are ongoing relationships to consider (for example, children or extended family)
- The situation involves complexity, legal, financial or emotional
- You value privacy and a more personal, considered process
- It doesn’t require everything to be amicable.
- It simply requires a willingness to engage in a structured way.
Family Law: Separation with Support and Clarity
- In family law matters, collaborative practice can help you work through:
- Parenting arrangements
- Property and financial division
- Communication and decision-making moving forward
- The focus is on:
- Reducing conflict
- Supporting better conversations
- Reaching outcomes that are workable and sustainable
- This can make a significant difference, not just now, but into the future.
Wills & Estates: Planning and Resolving Differently
- Planning (Before Issues Arise)
- For families, particularly blended families, estate planning can raise complex questions.
- A collaborative approach can:
- Support open, guided conversations
- Help manage expectations early
- Create clarity and understanding
- Reduce the risk of future disputes
Disputes (When Something Doesn’t Feel Right)
- If concerns arise after a death, it can be difficult to know how to move forward.
- Collaborative practice offers a way to:
- Address issues without escalating conflict
- Keep discussions private
- Focus on practical and fair outcomes
- Preserve relationships where possible
- Not every estate matter needs to become litigation.
What Does It Feel Like in Practice?
Wills & Estates: Planning and Resolving Differently
- One of the biggest differences clients notice is this: They are part of the process, not watching it happen from the sidelines.
- Instead of waiting for updates or reacting to letters, you:
- Participate in discussions
- Hear information directly
- Work through options in real time
- Make decisions with clarity and support
- Many clients describe the process as:
- More respectful
- More transparent
- More focused on moving forward
Is It Right for You?
- Collaborative practice isn’t the right fit for every situation.
- But for many people, it offers:
- A more constructive path
- Greater control over outcomes
- A way to resolve matters without unnecessary damage
- The best way to know is to have a conversation.
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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