If you elect to resolve your partnership breakdown by the collaborative law process then this will involve both you and your partner.

The collaborative family law resolution process cannot work without the participation and co-operation of both you and your partner. Adopting a co-operative approach will be critical to a successful outcome.

Both you and your partner will each have a lawyer. They will work with you to resolve your dispute but remember this, above all, goodwill and a determination to resolve issues in a fair way for the benefit of all concerned will be the cornerstone of the collaborative process.

Other professionals may also be involved to assist you and your partner to:

• Identify what might be in the best interests of the children
• Assist with emotional issues
• Assist with cultural issues
• Assist with knowledge issues
• Assist with financial issues
• Assist with property issues and values

The professionals who might be called on to assist you might include:

• Accountants who can assist you with taxation issues
• Financial Advisors who can assist you with the investment of settlement proceeds to secure your future and also advise in relation to your superannuation
• Psychologists and Family Consultants who can assist with emotional issues and matters impacting on your children
• Real Estate Agents and Valuers who can assist with valuing real estate and offer marketing advice if a property is to be sold
• Other trained professionals

What you must always remember:

The process is really about you, your partner and your children – no one else.

The sole focus of the collaborative process is to get the best outcomes for all concerned – not an advantage for one over the other.

These guiding principles will be uppermost in the minds of the lawyers and other professionals engaged in the collaborative process.

This process is all about achieving an outcome that works for everyone, and above all an outcome that is not achieved at a prohibitive cost to you and your partner.