Dunedin Collaborative
Legal Services
Collaborative Legal Services
What is a Collaborative Legal Process
Collaborative Process is a legal process where you meet face to face, supported by your chosen team. Everyone commits to resolving issues in a manner acceptable to the participants, without the threat of court proceedings.
How it Works:
Inclusive Meetings: Meetings are attended by the parties and their agreed support team, which can consist of their respective lawyers, as well as any other chosen professionals, such as coaches, consultants, specialists, accountants, and valuers to work together to settle all of the issues. Resolution is achieved during those face-to-face meetings via meaningful discussion and negotiation. A major focus of the collaborative process is to maximise settlement options for the benefit of all parties.
Structured Agenda: At the face-to-face meetings we follow an agreed agenda. The meetings are face to face in order to gain understanding and work towards resolution.
Team Collaboration: The participants form a team whose focus is to identify and discuss what is important to each of them, formulate a plan, decide which documents need to be exchanged, and agree on joint experts (additional team members) if they are necessary.
Experts that may also be brought in by agreement include coaches, child consultants, accountants, and valuers.
Commitment to the process:
A significant aspect of the collaborative process is the commitment from all parties and their legal representatives. If the process breaks down, neither lawyer will represent their client in litigation, and any joint experts are precluded from providing evidence for either party in court hearings. This commitment ensures that everyone remains focused on constructive negotiation and preserves the integrity of the process.
Benefits of Collaborative Practice:
- Maximized Settlement Options: The collaborative approach aims to maximize settlement options for all parties involved, fostering a cooperative atmosphere conducive to reaching agreements that everyone can live with.
- Personalized Solutions: By actively participating in discussions and negotiations, participants retain control over the outcome and can tailor solutions to meet their unique needs and circumstances.
Learn More:
For further information about Collaborative Law Practice, visit the Collaborative Resolution NZ website at www.collaborativeresolution.org.nz or explore the international site at www.collaborativepractice.com.
