- Collaborative law is becoming an increasingly important part of family justice, with lawyers encouraged to adopt a client-led approach to non-court dispute resolution.
- Effective collaborative practice relies on clear communication, interdisciplinary support and flexible dispute resolution models to achieve better outcomes for families.
The family justice landscape continues to evolve. With increasing judicial emphasis on non-court dispute resolution (NCDR), growing concern about the delays and costs inherent in litigation, and a greater appreciation of the emotional consequences of family breakdown, collaborative law deserves renewed attention from family law professionals.
I recently attended the Resolution Collaborative Refresher Training, which challenges delegates to reconsider not only how collaborative practice is delivered, but how all clients should be properly introduced to appropriate dispute resolution options when they first approach a family lawyer. Drawing on the training materials and subsequent discussion, considered below are the practical steps family lawyers can take to build collaborative practice and better serve separating families.
