COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE LAWYERS IN SHELLHARBOUR

Collaborative law is a process where separating couples and their lawyers work together to resolve parenting or financial matters without involving the court. This option is only available before legal proceedings have commenced. At Kells, our family lawyers are trained in this approach and regularly assist clients through collaborative practice.

Yes. Depending on the situation, you may involve other qualified professionals such as financial planners, child experts, psychologists, or counsellors. These individuals contribute specific expertise, while your legal team helps facilitate discussions and work towards practical solutions.

This approach allows you to stay actively involved in all decisions after separation, without needing a judge to decide the outcome. It also helps reduce friction and often leads to agreements that reflect the priorities of the people involved, especially where children are concerned.

If discussions break down and the matter goes to court, each person will need to engage new legal representation. Collaborative lawyers are not permitted to act in litigation once the process has ended.

Even when emotions run high, collaborative law can help shift the focus toward resolution. It promotes respectful dialogue and is particularly helpful for parents who want to maintain a working relationship and minimise stress for their children.

This method suits people who want to resolve separation issues without drawn-out court battles. It provides a structured environment where you can speak openly, consider creative solutions, and preserve family connections where possible.

Each party engages a collaborative lawyer. All participants sign an agreement confirming their intention to resolve matters outside of court. The process typically involves joint meetings, where everyone works toward fair outcomes through open discussion.

These meetings take place in a neutral setting and allow both clients to be directly involved in negotiations. Once a resolution is reached, the lawyers prepare formal documents that can be submitted to the court for approval, making the outcome legally enforceable.

It’s important to work with legal professionals trained specifically in collaborative law. At Kells, our team in Shellharbour has deep experience in this area and often collaborates with local experts to support the best outcomes for our clients.