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Collaborative family law solicitors

Collaborative law is a structured, non-court process that allows separating and divorcing couples in England and Wales to resolve the practical and legal issues arising from their separation with the support of their solicitor at every stage. This includes financial arrangements, property, and child arrangements.

Typically, there will be a ‘four-way meeting’ between the separating couple and their respective collaboratively trained solicitors. Rather than leaving the decision to a judge, a series of face-to-face sessions will take place, working through issues openly and constructively with the shared aim of reaching an agreed outcome.

As the UK’s largest specialist family law firm, Stowe Family Law has over 90 offices across England and Wales. Our award-winning collaborative law teams are based in locations including London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Sheffield, Bristol, Cardiff, and beyond. So, wherever you are, specialist advice is within reach.

Ranked as a Leading Firm by both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners 2026, and named in The Times Best Law Firms in 2026, Stowe is trusted by families across the country. We’re also rated Excellent on Trustpilot, reflecting the care and commitment we bring to every case.

We’re members of Resolution and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). That means you can expect honest, measured advice focused on the right outcome for you and your family.

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Key information on avoiding court during divorce

Does a divorce settlement have to go to court?

No, over 80% of our divorce cases do not end up in court. Avoiding court proceedings can reduce the time and cost for everyone.

Does mediation help with divorce?

A mediator can help you and your ex-partner agree on how to split assets, without taking sides.

What is the hybrid mediation process?

You and your ex-partner are not in the same room but you each have access to your individual lawyers. The trained mediator will then move between each of you.

What is the collaborative family law process?

Each person appoints their own collaboratively trained lawyer and you and your respective lawyers all meet together to work things out face to face.

Should I take my divorce to arbitration?

Involving arbitration in the divorce process can be more effective than going through lengthy and expensive court proceedings.

See more answers to common questions

Related services

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Mediation

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Divorce arbitration

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Divorce

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Financial settlement solicitors

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Child arrangements

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Cohabitation

Mediation

Mediation is an alternative to collaborative law, where instead of each couple having their own lawyer there is a single impartial mediator facilitating discussions. It is still a private, out of court method of dispute resolution where any issues are kept private. It helps couples resolve disputes relating to financial settlements and child arrangements, with the process being more time and cost effective than going through the courts. You can use one of our expert mediators to facilitate discussions, or we can provide legal support if you are doing an external mediation.

Mediation solicitors

Divorce arbitration

An alternative to collaborative law, arbitration is an out of court dispute resolution process where an impartial legal expert acts as a private judge and rules on any disputes that a couple cannot come to an agreement on. It is used for disputes relating to finances and child arrangements, allowing these disputes to be resolved in a time and cost-effective way. We can provide expert legal support during this process as well as assign one of our trained experts as a legal arbitrator for the process.

Arbitration lawyers
Arbitration

Divorce

Divorce is the legal termination of a marriage, cancelling any legal duties and responsibilities between spouses, allowing either party to legally remarry. While it terminates the marriage, it doesn’t legally end financial ties with one another for joint assets or address any child arrangements for children had during the marriage. Collaborative law will allow you to resolve any issues you have around finances, property, or children outside of the court, but still ends with a legally binding agreement. Our expert lawyers can represent you during the collaborative law process and help secure the best outcome for you.

Divorce solicitors

Financial settlement solicitors

A financial settlement is a legal agreement that severs any financial ties between two divorcing couples or separating civil partners. It outlines how any joint assets will be split and ends any future claims either party could have on assets. Collaborative law is a dispute resolution process that allows couples to settle issues outside of the court, saving time and money. We can provide expert legal advice on any joint financial issues and help secure the best outcome for you.

Divorce financial settlement solicitors

Child arrangements

If you have had any children together during a marriage or civil partnership, a child arrangements order will decide who the child lives with and how much time they will spend with either parent. Collaborative divorce allows parents to settle disputes and get a legally binding child arrangements order without going through the courts, saving time and money. We can represent you during this process to ensure you have the best legal support during this period.

Child arrangement order solicitors

Cohabitation

There are no automatic rights for any cohabiting couples, so disputes over any joint finances could prove complex and time consuming. With the collaborative law process, you settle disputes together outside of the court while having a lawyer representing each of you to provide support. Our expert lawyers can be by your side during these disputes to help you secure the best outcome possible.

Cohabitation lawyers

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What is collaborative divorce?

Collaborative divorce (sometimes called the collaborative process or collaborative law) is a form of non-court dispute resolution (NCDR) used in England and Wales. It allows separating couples to resolve the practical and financial issues arising from a divorce or separation without asking a court to determine the outcome. Both parties have their own lawyers present in negotiations, so everyone has the support they need during this difficult time.

In the first meeting, the parties and the lawyers will sign a Participation Agreement, committing to honest, good-faith negotiation.
The collaborative process can cover a broad range of issues, including:

  • Financial arrangements: How assets, savings, pensions, and debts are divided between the parties
  • Property: Whether the family home is sold, transferred, or retained by one party
  • Child arrangements: Where children will live, how much time they spend with each parent, and how key decisions about their upbringing will be made

Where finances are more complex, additional professionals can also be brought into the process, such as independent financial advisers, divorce accountants, or property valuers. This way decisions are made with the right information in the room, without unnecessary delay.

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Is collaborative divorce a good option for me?

Collaborative divorce tends to work best when both parties are willing to engage honestly and work constructively toward a shared resolution. It is not the right route for every situation, but for many couples it offers a more dignified and effective way forward than court proceedings.

It may be a good fit if:

  • Both parties want to reach agreement: The process depends on a genuine, shared commitment to negotiate in good faith. If one party is unwilling to engage openly, a different approach is likely to be more appropriate
  • You want to stay in control: Unlike court proceedings, where a judge determines the outcome, the collaborative process means you and your former partner shape the agreement together
  • You have children: Where children are involved, reducing conflict matters greatly. The collaborative approach is specifically designed to protect parental relationships and make co-parenting more manageable in the long term
  • Privacy is important to you: Court proceedings are largely a matter of public record. Collaborative sessions take place in private, which many families find reassuring when dealing with sensitive financial or personal matters

Where there has been domestic abuse, a significant imbalance of power, or genuine concerns about financial transparency, a different approach may better protect your position. One of our solicitors can help you weigh up your options carefully and advise on what is most suitable for your circumstances.

How can I tell i?f my marriage is over

What are the benefits of collaborative divorce?

For couples willing to engage with the process, collaborative divorce offers a number of meaningful advantages over contested court proceedings.

  • It avoids court: The majority of collaborative cases reach resolution without ever going before a judge. Avoiding court typically means a faster, less costly, and considerably less stressful outcome for everyone involved
  • Your solicitor is with you throughout: Unlike some other forms of NCDR, you have your own qualified, collaboratively trained solicitor present at every meeting providing legal advice in real time, so you never have to negotiate alone
  • You stay in control: Agreements are reached by the parties themselves, not imposed by a third party. Outcomes reached this way are often more practical, more flexible, and more likely to hold in the long run
  • It can protect children from conflict: Because the collaborative process is designed to reduce hostility, it is generally less damaging for children than adversarial proceedings. It also helps lay a more constructive foundation for co-parenting after separation
  • Specialist support is available: Where financial or property matters are complex, additional professionals can join the process, ensuring decisions are made with a full and accurate picture of your circumstances
  • It is confidential: Everything discussed in collaborative meetings remains private, something many families find particularly important when sensitive financial or personal matters are on the table

Reaching a resolution is rarely straightforward, and it is natural to feel uncertain about where to begin. The collaborative process gives both parties the time, the space, and the right legal support to work toward one together. If you would like to find out whether this approach is right for your situation, our team is here to help you take the next step.

The divorce process

Application

One or both spouses submit a divorce application to the court using the HMCTS Portal, citing irretrievable breakdown of the marriage without assigning blame.
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20-week reflection period

After the application is filed, and your former spouse has responded to the petition, a mandatory 20-week reflection period begins. During this time, spouses may also exchange financial information using Form E and address any necessary child arrangements, including including the time your children spend with you both.

Conditional order

After the reflection period, the applicant(s) apply for a Conditional order (previously known as Decree Nisi). The court reviews the case and, if satisfied, grants the order.
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6-week waiting period

Following the Conditional order, there is a mandatory 6-week waiting period before the final step can be taken.

Final order

After the 6-week waiting period, the applicant(s) may apply for the Final Order (previously known as Decree Absolute), officially ending the marriage.
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Average 9-12 months

If more than 12 months have elapsed between obtaining your conditional order and applying for your final order, you will have to submit a short statement to support your application, explaining the delay.

Meet our collaborative family law experts

Get expert advice and support tailored to your situation from our experienced legal team.

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Julian Hawkhead

Senior Partner
Divorce Civil Partnerships Collaborative Law Finance
Julian Hawkhead has extensive experience in all aspects of family law particularly in complex financial disputes. As the firm’s Senior Partner, Julian has been with the firm for over 20 years and has a reputation for his strategic thinking and ability to cut through to the key issues and solve the most intractable of cases. His clients are located around the country and overseas and he leads our national team of lawyers.
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Gemma Davison

Team Leader Partner, Oxfordshire
Divorce Mediation Surrogacy Fertility
Gemma offers support and advice on surrogacy and fertility law, including; domestic and international surrogacy, donor conception, platonic co-parenting and single parent by choice.
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Katie Kilburn

Team Leader Partner, North Yorkshire
Divorce Mediation Collaborative Law Domestic Abuse
I deal with a range of different cases from a family breakdown with minimal assets to wealthy clients with assets worth several million pounds. Whatever the case, I am dedicated to first-class client care and adopt a personable and compassionate approach to support people through a difficult time. I am a qualified collaborative lawyer and Resolution Accredited Specialist in Complex Financial Remedies and Private Children.
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Maya Bhatiani

Team Leader Partner, East Anglia & Essex
Divorce Civil Partnerships Collaborative Law Domestic Abuse
As a Partner in Stowe’s Chelmsford office, Maya has expertise in dealing with all areas of family law but has a particular interest in complex children and financial matters. Maya also supports the Bishops Stortford office.      
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Nicky Hunter

Team Leader Partner, North East
Divorce Civil Partnerships Collaborative Law Domestic Abuse
Nicky is renowned for her clear and constructive advice, as well as her ability to find creative solutions in all aspects of family law including separation and divorce, financial arrangements and living arrangements for children.  
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Helen Taylor

Partner, Buckinghamshire & Hertfordshire
Divorce Children Collaborative Law Finance
Helen is a Partner in Stowe's Stony Stratford office.
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Michelle Bowyer

Partner, Oxfordshire & Wiltshire
Divorce Children Cohabitation Collaborative Law
Michelle is a Partner based in our Oxford, Swindon and Bicester offices.
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Barbara Bitis

Senior Associate, Hampshire & Dorset
Divorce Collaborative Law Finance Grandparents' Rights
Barbara is a senior associate with extensive experience across a wide range of family law matters.
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La-Toyah Phillips

Senior Associate, Berkshire & Buckinghamshire
Divorce Collaborative Law Domestic Abuse Finance
La-Toyah is a senior associate working from our North Hampshire and Berkshire offices.
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Lin Cumberlin

Senior Associate, Hampshire & Dorset
Divorce Civil Partnerships Collaborative Law Domestic Abuse
Lin is a Senior Associate based in our Southampton law office.
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Penny-jo Freddi

Senior Associate, Bristol, Gloucestershire & Somerset
Divorce Cohabitation Collaborative Law Domestic Abuse
Penny-jo is a Senior Associate based out of our Bristol office.
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Rachel Lander

Senior Associate, Buckinghamshire & Hertfordshire
Divorce Children Cohabitation Collaborative Law
Rachel is a Senior Associate in Stowe's Stony Stratford office.
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Sophie Croft

Senior Associate, North East
Divorce Surrogacy Civil Partnerships Collaborative Law
Sophie is an Senior Associate in Stowe's Newcastle office.
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Charlotte Kirkby

Solicitor, Surrey & Sussex
Divorce Collaborative Law Finance Prenuptial Agreements
Charlotte qualified as a solicitor in February 2024 and joined Stowe in July 2024.
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Maheen Khalid

Solicitor, Berkshire
Divorce Collaborative Law Domestic Abuse Finance
Maheen is a Solicitor based at our North Hampshire and Berkshire offices.
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Zeneb Muneer

Solicitor, Berkshire
Divorce Mediation Legal Assistant Children
Zaneb is a solicitor based out of our Reading office.  
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Simone Bartha

Paralegal, West Midlands
Divorce Mediation Collaborative Law Finance
Simone is a Paralegal at our Birmingham law office.
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We offer an award-winning service

Why choose Stowe Family Law?

  • As the only national law firm fully dedicated to family matters, our expert team offers professional advice so you can make a fully informed decision about your divorce.

  • We are proud to be rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot. Check out our reviews to see what our previous clients have said about our service.

  • We feature in The Legal 500 rankings and are fully authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

  • We keep you informed. Take a look at our support section, which features a range of helpful guides, focusing on important topics including finances and mediation.

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Let's ask M. Vincent

I am so grateful to have you represent me and help achieve what I did today you mad a very unpleasant situation not quite so.

Let's ask E K

I had to change my solicitors, that's why I met Kate Bouwmeester at Stowe Family Law. I wish I had her as my solicitor from the very beginning. My financial matter was handled by Kate. Also, she gave me advice on children matters. Kate understood what my expectations were and honestly handled the matter cost-effectively. Kate had been brilliant whe… Read moren it came to clarity and details. She was quick with responses. I would highly recommend Kate Bouwmeester if you are looking for a solicitor for your marital conflict. Unlike some other solicitors, Kate Bouwmeester is able to advise on all matters - divorce, finances and children. I believe that these three matters are linked to one another and having one solicitor, rather than two, for all these matters is more efficient and cheaper. Thank you Kate for helping me

Let's ask Mrs H

At a really difficult time in my life, Nastassia listened, gave expert advice and handled my divorce with professionalism and sensitivity. I can thoroughly recommend Stowe.

Let's ask Mrs S

I was struck by Mira’s professionalism, warmth and sincerity at my first appointment. This had to be one of the most important meetings of my life, I needed to listen carefully to the clear advice that Mira offered. Without doubt my head was all over the place, I had so many questions and Mira restored order to a chaotic situation. Mira even call… Read moreed me while abroad to make me aware of progress, that made a huge difference. Mira is knowledgeable, fair and clear. She is excellent at returning to the key points, keeping the focus on progress. When it came to the final closure of my case it was good to be able to recommend her expertise to friends. Thank You Mira for the amazing help that you provided.

Let's ask Legal 500

I have found Helen Miller to be very professional in all aspects of her work. She is diligent and thorough with a strength of will and determination. I felt total confidence in her ability to obtain a very satisfactory conclusion throughout the process of my divorce including the court hearings. Helen expresses great client care, empathy and unders… Read moretanding with compassion during this difficult period of my life.

Let's ask Mr S

I cannot put into words how grateful I am for your due diligence, attention to detail and sticking with me through this process. I know this case has gone on longer than would normally be warranted in these situations but I am so pleased with how you have handled this important issue for me and I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart for all … Read moreyour support through my case

Let's ask Ms C L

I would definitely recommend Stowe Family Law and specifically Holly Lamb. Holly has handled my case with empathy and professionalism throughout. She has provided timely and considered advice which has assisted in navigating a positive resolution to my case. I am very grateful for her input and the input of the Stowe team throughout. I have no hesi… Read moretation in highlighting Holly as being an excellent specialist in her field. Many thanks again.

Let's ask Mr F

I instructed STOWE family law for an urgent pressing and stressful matter, one where my ex threw many false allegations and made seing my dear children and impossibility. After meeting Samantha Edwards I was reassured that I had every chance to see my children. Long story short, I can now happily and legally see my children. I am the happiest man a… Read morelive and my children are bursting with joy again. Yes it was expensive but all legal advice is, you literally pay for what you get, and what I got was a first class service. Samantha was incredibly kind and understanding and made me feel like I could wake up in the mornings with confidence, you simply cannot put a price on that. Thanks Samantha, thanks Stowe.
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Common questions about collaborative family law

Common questions about collaborative family law

  • What happens during the collaborative family law process?

    Once you and your ex-partner agree to pursue collaborative law during your divorce or separation, we can help you take the first steps towards coming to a resolution.

    First, you will each need to hire a collaborative family law solicitor who will be present at all of your face-to-face meetings. An initial consultation will allow your lawyer to gather all of the information they need about your circumstances and what you would like to achieve from the process.

    From this point, you and your ex-partner will attend meetings accompanied by your representatives. A contract will be signed stating that both parties commit to resolving the issues out of court, then negotiations can begin.

    Once you reach an agreement, your lawyers will create a document outlining the finer details which you will both sign. Although this document isn’t legally binding, if you so desire, you could ask your lawyers to draft up a consent order which would make your agreement legally binding.

    If you are unsure, your dedicated solicitor can advise on the best course of action.

  • How much does collaborative family law cost?

    While the process of working with collaborative lawyers isn’t free, it’s a cheaper and quicker alternative than going to court to resolve your issues.

    Your collaborative family law solicitor can discuss the exact cost of the process with you. As it’s hard to say how long the process will last and how long you will need representation from a lawyer, the fees will vary on a case-by-case basis.

  • What's the difference between mediation and collaboration?

    There are several key differences between mediation and collaboration methods for resolving issues between separating or divorcing couples.

    In mediation, a neutral figure acts as the mediator to help you and your ex-partner come to an agreement about how you want to proceed and try to resolve issues you are facing during your separation.

    With a collaborative approach, a lawyer will represent their client and offer guidance for issues that may be more complicated to navigate, such as financial or custody agreements.

    Having legal representation will make the process easier for the client too, as solicitors will have a better understanding of how to evaluate proposals and negotiations.

    Another key difference between both methods is the cost. Mediation is often the most cost-effective process but paying for the more expensive collaboration approach means you have solid legal advice every step of the way. Collaboration law can also take longer to complete, which could result in increasing costs.

  • Do you have any Legal 500 & Chambers rankings?

    Our collaborative divorce lawyers are highly regarded by Legal 500 and Chambers for our commitment to constructive dispute resolution, supporting families through separation with dignity and respect.

    In 2026, our regional rankings include:

    Yorkshire: Band 2 chambers & Tier 2 Legal 500: Beverley, Harrogate, Huddersfield, Ilkley, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Sheffield, Wetherby, York

    East Midlands: Band 2 chambers: Derby, Leicester, Lincoln, Nottingham, Peterborough, Stamford

    West Midlands: Tier 2 Legal 500: Birmingham, Leamington Spa, Lichfield, Solihull

    North East: Band 2 chambers: Durham, Newcastle, North Shields, Sunderland

    South East: Tier 2 Legal 500: Berkhamsted, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes, St Albans

    Wales: Tier 2 Legal 500: Cardiff, Swansea

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The blog team at Stowe is a group of writers based across our family law offices who share their advice on the wellbeing and emotional aspects of divorce or separation from personal experience. As well as pieces from our family law solicitors, guest contributors also regularly contribute to share their knowledge.

Date last reviewed: 23/04/2025

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