Collaborative practice is a way of solving disputes outside of courts. It uses a team of professionals (which may include lawyers, finance professionals, child advocates and psychologists) to come to the best solution for all parties involved. Instead of treating separation as a conflict, collaborative practice enables you and your partner to resolve issues in a non-adversarial environment.
Our Commitment: Four Guiding Principles
At the start of the collaborative process, all participants agree to four fundamental principles that shape how you move forward:
A pledge not to go to court or use threats of court as leverage
Honest exchange of information
Commitment to finding a solution respecting the priorities of all parties
Understanding that lawyers will withdraw if the matter ultimately must go to court
How the Collaborative Process Works
Once the guiding principles are accepted, you, the other party/ies, and your legal teams begin structured, respectful negotiation through multi-person meetings to reach a settlement.
Participation Agreement & Commitment
All parties, along with your lawyers, sign a Participation Agreement committing to open, principled negotiation without threat of court.
Interdisciplinary Expertise
Where needed, collaboratively trained professionals may join — such as child specialists, financial advisors, counsellors — to provide neutral support and insight.
When Collaborative Practice Is the Right Choice
Collaborative practice can be used by people involved in all types of disputes, but it is especially suited where the parties know each other personally and want to maintain a civil relationship into the future.
Collaborative practice is therefore an excellent choice for family disputes, including for people who are going through a separation, beneficiaries under a will, or for succession disputes in family offices.
Collaborative practice is also well suited to partnership and joint venture disputes, especially where the parties may wish to have an ongoing business relationship.
Why Choose Collaborative Practice?
The parties remain in control — collaborative law encourages creative solutions rather than rigid legal discourse.
It is more direct, efficient and transparent — no waiting on court dates, and full disclosure between parties.
Ready to Proceed?
If you decide to proceed with collaborative practice, you’ll begin by appointing collaboratively trained lawyers, discussing your objectives, and signing the Participation Agreement. From there, structured dialogue begins in a series of meetings designed to uncover fair, workable resolutions.