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Collaborative Family Law or C.F.L.

Third, there is Collaborative Family Law or C.F.L. This is a relatively new concept. It was created by a mediator. He found that on occasion the mediation process would break down at the independent legal advice stage.

Proposal

One party creates a proposal for review by the other party. If the proposal is acceptable then a separation agreement (in court the document is called Minutes of Settlement) is created.

Mediation

Second, there is mediation. Both parties attend mediation with one professional. It is important to pick the right mediator. It is an unregulated field.

Collaborative Family Law or C.F.L.

Five way facilitated settlement meeting

Five way facilitated settlement meeting. This is a cumbersome title but it is the best I have come up with to date. Both lawyers and both clients attend a meeting chaired by a mediator.

Court. (last resort)

No-one wants to go to court. It is expensive, lengthy and adversarial. It hurts children. It destroys relationships between spouses. You are not in control as a Judge makes a decision. It is public.