Although there will always be those cases in which the input of the court is either desirable or necessary, often other methods of resolution are more effective and less expensive, time-consuming and stressful.
We will always consider whether it is possible to resolve matters through negotiation or other alternative methods of resolution before resorting to court proceedings. Below are brief outlines of the main dispute resolution options, however we can advise you on the various options and help you decide which would be the best for you.
Collaborative Law
In the collaborative law process each person is supported by their own collaboratively trained lawyer. We sign an agreement committing ourselves to resolving matters without going to court. We meet together to discuss and resolve any issues including arrangements for children, financial settlements and arrangements and any procedural issues. Discussing matters and hearing what everyone has to say, rather than communicating through letters and emails, allows real and constructive progress to be made. We are able to reach a settlement tailored to your particular circumstances in a way which preserves any goodwill and ensures that relationships are not further damaged.
Melanie den Brinker is Buss Murton’s trained collaborative lawyer. She was one of the earliest collaborative lawyers to train in England and was a founder member of the local collaborative law group. She is one of the most active collaborative lawyers in the area and has extensive experience of conducting collaborative cases with other local collaborative lawyers.
Mediation
Trained mediators can help a couple to identify and resolve any issues, whilst remaining impartial. We have close links with local mediators, some of whom have a legal background and some a counselling/therapeutic background, and we can advise on the mediator best suited to assist you.
Arbitration
Family arbitration is a relatively new option in which a trained arbitrator is appointed by a couple to reach a decision on any or all financial and property issues arising from the breakdown of a relationship. The same arbitrator will deal with all stages of the case from start to finish and you and your partner can decide how the proceedings should be run, for example by deciding on how to deal with financial disclosure and on where and when any hearings should take place. Arbitration allows a couple to resolve financial disputes in a quick, more flexible and less formal setting than a courtroom.
