Collaborative practice

Collaborative practice puts you and your partner in the driving seat. Unlike court proceedings, where decisions are made by a judge, collaborative practice allows both parties to retain control over the outcomes. You decide what matters most and how your family’s future will look, with agreements crafted around your specific circumstances.

This process also offers a high level of privacy. Discussions and agreements remain confidential, kept entirely out of the public domain. This can be particularly valuable if your case involves sensitive personal or financial information. Collaborative practice ensures that these matters stay within a trusted circle of professionals.

of stress and division. Collaborative practice aims to minimise conflict by creating an environment that fosters open, respectful communication. Guided by trained family solicitors, both parties commit to working together to reach a solution, rather than fighting to ‘win’.

This method is especially beneficial for families with children, as it encourages cooperation and respect, which can ease the transition and create a foundation for positive co-parenting. By focusing on solutions rather than blame, collaborative practice reduces the emotional toll on all involved.

One of the unique aspects of collaborative practice is the access to a network of supportive professionals beyond your family solicitor. Financial neutrals, such as independent financial advisers and pension experts, bring clarity to financial issues, ensuring that each party fully understands the implications of any agreement.

Family therapists or counsellors may also be involved, offering emotional support and helping both parties manage the personal aspects of the process. This multi-disciplinary approach provides holistic support, addressing not just the legal and financial aspects but also the emotional and psychological well-being of the family.

Collaborative practice begins with both parties signing a Participation Agreement. This document underscores the commitment to resolve matters outside of court and maintain a constructive approach throughout. This agreement is a shared pledge to focus on solutions and encourages both parties to work collaboratively toward a resolution.

The Participation Agreement also outlines that, should the process break down, both clients would need to instruct new solicitors to proceed to court. This rule reinforces the commitment to seeing the collaborative process through and reduces the likelihood of abandoning it for litigation.

Collaborative practice allows you to shape solutions that reflect your family’s unique situation. Whether it’s addressing financial settlements, children’s arrangements, or crafting a nuptial agreement, the process can be adapted to cover the issues that matter most to you.

This flexibility is particularly valuable for families with complex financial matters or non-traditional family structures. Collaborative practice provides a safe space to discuss and create agreements that truly fit, rather than relying on a judge’s standardised approach.

The collaborative process centres on a series of structured four-way meetings, where you and your partner meet with your respective family solicitors. These meetings provide a safe space for open, constructive conversations aimed at reaching a fair resolution for everyone involved.

Unlike traditional court proceedings, these meetings allow for a flexible, client-led pace and foster direct communication between both parties. Each person has the chance to voice their concerns, ask questions, and discuss possible solutions, with guidance from experienced solicitors trained in collaborative law.

At Anthony Gold, we ensure that these sessions are productive, compassionate, and focused on the issues that matter most to you—whether financial settlements, arrangements for children, or ongoing family support.

At the outset of the collaborative process, all parties sign a Participation Agreement. This document is more than a formality—it represents a shared commitment to resolve matters outside of court, promoting a constructive and cooperative approach.

The Participation Agreement ensures that everyone involved, including your solicitors, is dedicated to working towards a positive outcome. It also includes a unique clause: if the process breaks down and either party decides to pursue litigation, both clients must instruct new solicitors to take the matter to court. This clause acts as a powerful incentive to remain committed to the collaborative process and encourages both sides to work through challenges together.

This agreement, combined with the shared commitment, means that collaborative practice typically leads to sustainable, agreed-upon solutions that stand the test of time.

Collaborative practice often involves a team of professionals, each contributing their expertise to address specific aspects of your case. This may include financial neutrals (such as independent financial advisers, pension specialists, or financial planners) and family therapists or counsellors. Their input can be invaluable in ensuring that all perspectives are considered and that decisions are well-informed and balanced.

Financial neutrals play a crucial role in helping both parties understand the financial implications of their decisions. They provide clear, unbiased insights on asset division, pensions, and financial planning, helping you make informed choices about your family’s future.

Family therapists can offer emotional support during what is often a challenging time, helping to manage personal or interpersonal difficulties that may arise in the process. Their involvement ensures that the well-being of all family members is considered, particularly when the issues involve children or complex family dynamics.

At Anthony Gold, we work with a network of trusted professionals to provide a comprehensive support system that addresses the legal, financial, and emotional aspects of your case. This multi-disciplinary approach reflects our commitment to helping you achieve a resolution that is fair, realistic, and sustainable.