I am trying to decide whether to go down the collaborative law route. I assume that the financial disclosure is the same as if you are going to court? Do the solicitors run the meetings and do they do anything differently than they would if it was going to court? What are the disadvantages of collaborative law? I know that if you cant agree then you have to go to court anyway and change solicitors. Are there any other disadvantages? Is it really quicker and cheaper? My husband earns a lot more than I do, and would be much better at running meetings than me. Would court therefore be better for me?

Whether it's cheaper depends on what you are comparing it with but the big advantage of collaborative law is that through divorcing with integrity long term family relations suffer less damage. Also there is a more holistic approach so other professionals such as counsellors, accountants or IFAs can be involved in the process. There is leaflet available here;


http://www.scottish-collaborativelawyers.com/images/CFL_new_240406.pdf

Recently had my first four way meeting. My solicitor & me, Ex and hers. We haven't signed up yet as I am very concerned about losing my solicitor if it all broke down (My solicitor told hers that). They were happy with that as it is just initial thoughts. Read on a previous post that it doesn't work if you want to kill your ex. That worried me!!! But it went well I think. Not sure about costs exactly i.e. whether it will be cheaper or not as it was a very long meeting! Still early days. Will keep you posted.

Sorry forgot.

Fiona wrote
long term family relations suffer less damage

Our damage was done shortly after agreeing to try callaborative approach.

I am not sure but the way I lokk at things by going tfor callaboration you are tying yourself down.I went with an ordinary solicitor and would have tried mediation rather than court if things went ok but now that it is not I can go via court without any changes in legal representation so in the long run will be cheaper and quicker and no lost of momentum

forgot to mention that if 2b earn substantially more than you,you should apply for AR and ask for a set amount for legal fee ,I think the quote is "equality in arms"
good luck