Collaborative Practice:
A Better Way To Resolve Disputes
Not every separation needs to become a fight.
Many people want legal advice and support without the stress, uncertainty and cost often associated with court proceedings. They want to resolve issues respectfully, to protect their children from ongoing conflict, and to maintain control over the decisions affecting their future.
Collaborative Practice was designed for exactly that purpose.
Collaborative Practice is a voluntary dispute resolution process that allows separated couples to work towards agreement with the support of collaboratively trained professionals, without commencing court proceedings.
At Patford-Smith Legal Services, we help clients explore respectful and constructive pathways to resolution while remaining focused on what matters most.
Not sure which pathway is right for you?
Many clients begin with a Separation Strategy Session before deciding whether Collaborative Practice, Family Dispute Resolution, Parenting Coordination or litigation is the most appropriate option.
What Is
Collaborative
Practice?
Collaborative Practice is a structured process that allows parties to negotiate and resolve family law issues outside of court.
Each participant has their own collaboratively trained lawyer who provides advice and support throughout the process.
The parties and their lawyers work together through a series of meetings designed to identify issues, explore options and reach mutually acceptable outcomes. The focus is on problem-solving rather than conflict.
Unlike litigation, the process is designed to encourage open communication, transparency and respectful negotiations. The goal is to create practical, durable agreements that allow families to move forward with confidence.
How Is Collaborative
Practice Different?
Many people are familiar with mediation but are less familiar with Collaborative Practice. While both approaches are highly effective and focus on reaching agreement outside of court, there are important differences. The most appropriate option will depend on your family’s circumstances and goals.
Family Dispute Resolution
Neutral practitioner facilitates discussions
Legal advice is often obtained outside the process
Often completed in one or two sessions
Focused on resolving specific disputes
Suitable for many parenting and property matters
Collaborative Practice
Each participant has own collaboratively trained lawyer
Legal advice is provided throughout the process
Ongoing structured negotiations
Focused on reaching a comprehensive settlement
Particularly useful for complex family circumstances
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Who Is Collaborative Practice Suitable For?
Collaborative Practice is often particularly beneficial where parties wish to preserve an ongoing co-parenting relationship after separation. Collaborative Practice may be appropriate for people who:
- Want to avoid court proceedings
- Value privacy and confidentiality
- Want legal advice throughout negotiations
- Are committed to respectful communication
- Have children and wish to reduce conflict
- Need to resolve parenting and property issues
- Want greater control over the outcome
- Are prepared to engage in good faith negotiations
Who is on the Collaborative Team?
Depending on the circumstances, Collaborative Practice may involve a range of professionals working together to support the family.
This can include:
- Collaborative Lawyers
- Financial Specialists
- Child Specialists
- Coaches and Communication Professionals
The involvement of additional professionals depends on the needs of the family and the issues requiring resolution.
This team-based approach often allows matters to be addressed more holistically than traditional litigation.
Why Choose Patford-Smith Legal Services?
Lauren Patford-Smith is a Family Lawyer, Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, Parenting Coordinator and Independent Children’s Lawyer.
This unique combination of qualifications provides valuable insight into both dispute resolution and family law outcomes.
Lauren is also a member of the Australian Association of Collaborative Professionals and is committed to helping families resolve disputes respectfully, privately and without unnecessary litigation wherever appropriate.
Her approach is strategic, practical and focused on helping families move forward with confidence.
Why clients choose
collaborative practice
Greater Control
The parties remain in control of decisions affecting their family rather than asking a Judge to determine the outcome.
Privacy
Negotiations occur privately rather than in a public court environment.
Child-Focused Outcomes
The process encourages solutions that support children’s wellbeing and minimise exposure to parental conflict.
Respectful Communication
Collaborative Practice promotes constructive discussions and future-focused problem solving.
Flexible Solutions
Agreements can often be tailored more creatively and practically than court orders..
Reduced Conflict
The process is designed to minimise adversarial behaviours and encourage cooperation wherever possible.
A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation .
collaborative
practice
Transparent fees
Every family and every collaborative matter is different. The complexity of issues, the number of meetings required and the involvement of additional professionals will vary depending on the circumstances.
For this reason, Collaborative Practice fees are tailored to the individual needs of each family. We are committed to discussing likely costs openly and providing transparency regarding fees throughout the process.
If you are interested in exploring Collaborative Practice, we encourage you to contact our office to discuss your circumstances and obtain further information regarding likely costs.
Looking for clarity before making any decisions?
Our Separation Strategy Session provides a private, director-led strategy session designed to help you understand your options and identify the pathway most likely to achieve a positive outcome for your family.
Take the next step
If you are looking for a respectful, private and solution-focused alternative to litigation, Collaborative Practice may provide the pathway you are seeking.
Contact Patford-Smith Legal Services today to discuss whether Collaborative Practice is right for you.