Collaborative Divorce

Underpinning the collaborative law process is a written agreement in which you and your former partner commit to reaching an agreement and settling matters without going to court. Both of you along with your solicitors will work together to bring about an agreement. This is a process that minimises correspondence, as negotiations and important decisions take place in what are called 4 way meetings.

The agenda is set by you

The agenda will be set by you both and offers flexibility to achieve an outcome that might well differ from what a court might order. You will be advised throughout on what a court would consider appropriate even if your respective advisers differ in their views as to outcome. Your lawyer can also give advice outside of the 4 way meeting but they must in turn be prepared to repeat that advice at the 4 way meeting if required. The approach is one of openness and transparency.

Karen-Anker-Family-Divorce-SolicitorThe progress is often tailored to the pace of the slowest person in the room, but it can proceed quickly if both parties want and can cope with that. That means that the 4 way meetings can be held close together and provided both parties have their financial information available, a conclusion can be reached and made binding within weeks rather than months.

If additional advice or assistance is required from IFAs, pension actuaries or other experts they can be brought into the process, jointly instructed by both parties, often attending the 4 way meeting so both parties can hear what they advise.

It is ultimately your process

Although guided by the lawyers, the onus is on you and your former partner to make the decisions and reach an agreement. If the collaborative process breaks down the two collaborative lawyers will not be able to take any further part in the process and both parties will have to instruct new solicitors.

Karen Anker is a collaboratively trained solicitor and can guide you through the process.

Initial Fixed Fee Consultation

Come and talk to us. You’ll find us empathetic, keen to help and with a wealth of experience. We offer a fixed fee consultation of £120 for the first appointment. You will be advised on the options open to you and the possible outcomes. Our priority is to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the path ahead and the challenges involved in achieving your goals.

Barr Ellison LLP in Cambridge has a small but highly regarded family law practice, which handles divorce, financial matters including international assets or income streams, property settlements, and children arrangements. Lead partner Sarah Martin and vastly experienced associate Karen Anker are known for 'a personal service of an extremely high quality', and clients remark that they 'fight their client's cases with clarity and great attention to detail'. Martin, who frequently acts for high-net-worth individuals, academics, and entrepreneurs, is particularly well known for her expertise in private children law matters.
Legal 500 Guide

‘Very experienced, diligent and conscientious solicitors. Clients are given the personal attention of their specialist solicitor.’

‘Sarah Martin really cares about her clients and she does in fact go the extra mile. She has complex work which she handles with real skill and diligence.’

‘A very experienced family team in Sarah Martin and Karen Anker. Both very well respected within the Cambridge family law community and beyond.’

‘Sarah Martin and her team have provided me with excellent results and professionalism. Being women themselves, they sincerely empathized with my emotions as a woman, offering me considerable strength and support. Moreover, their sharp and precise work left me satisfied. I also admire their patience.’

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