Collaborative Law is a new way to resolve divorce and family disputes with dignity and respect. A relationship breakdown will always involve financial and emotional costs. The benefits of Collaborative Family Law help minimise those costs for all concerned. In the Collaborative process the family lawyers and their clients agree in writing to reach settlement without Court involvement. They agree to work together to resolve children and financial issues arising out of the separation. In addition, they may enlist other experts such as child specialists from family consultants or financial advisers as part of the team. Utilising their skills in client representation, negotiation and problem solving, Collaborative Family Law helps clients reach a fair agreement.

The Collaborative Process

You and your partner agree with your lawyers to resolve issues without going to Court.

The settlement is reached in “4 way” face to face meetings (two of you and two lawyers).

All information and disclosure is provided in the Collaborative process.

You remain in control of the process but with your lawyers there throughout for legal advice and guidance.

If no settlement can be reached new lawyers will have to be instructed for Court proceedings.

Why Choose Collaborative Family Law?

Collaborative cases are often resolved more quickly than those dealt with by more traditional means.

Collaborative Law can enable you and your partner to return a level of communication which could be important where you will need to retain contact in the future, for example in relation to your children.

Collaborative Law offers you the opportunity of being active in resolving the issues between you and your partner and can give you a sense of control over your future.

Specially Trained Collaborative Lawyers

At Overburys, two members of our Family Department have received special training in Collaborative Law. Amanda Maruca specialises in divorce, separation and related financial issues. Richard Bevan specialises in child care issues. Both Amanda and Richard are members of the Norfolk Collaborative Family Law Group. Further information regarding Collaborative Family Law is available at www.collaborativelawnorfolk.co.uk

	Amanda Maruca Amanda is Head of the Family Law Department and a Partner in the firm. She specialises in all aspects of family and matrimonial law but in particular divorce, separation and cohabitee disputes and financial provision. Amanda is a member of the Law Society Advanced Family Law Panel and a collaborative Law Member. amaruca@overburys.co.uk
	Richard Bevan Richard specialises in all issues of child care law, both Public and Private, and Injunctions. Richard is a Partner in the firm and a member of the Law Society Childrens’ Panel and a collaborative Law Member. rbevan@overburys.co.uk