Services > Family, Home & Personal Law

Collaborative Solutions

Left to right: John Osborne and David Lavelle - Family Lawyers

Two leading Cumbrian family lawyers have undertaken specialist training in new and advanced techniques to resolve matrimonial cases.

David Lavelle of Thomson Wilson Pattinson and John Osborne of Temple Heelis Solicitors have just completed the Collaborative Family Law Foundation Course run by the national family lawyers’ organisation, Resolution.

The process of Collaborative Practice involves lawyers and clients negotiating in a series of face-to-face meetings to resolve financial settlements and issues in respect of children. Other key features are that there is minimal use of solicitors’ letters and a written agreement that the separating couple will not go to court with their appointed lawyers if negotiations break down.

"The main aim of the process is to resolve all issues arising from a separation without confrontation and to try and avoid costly and stressful court proceedings" explained David Lavelle.

Both Kendal solicitors practices have now formed an administrative group with the other Collaborative solicitors in the area (Ingleton, Lancaster and Morecambe) in order to promote their work and provide professional support.

John Osborne commented “a divorce or separation has both a financial and emotional cost. This new, client-focused process aims to keep the emotional cost to a minimum and in many cases will reduce the financial costs, where an expensive court hearing is avoided.”

David Lavelle added "In addition, the fact that their parents can be seen to be working out their problems constructively sends out tremendously positive signals to the children”.

David can be contacted at our Kendal office on 01539 721945 with one of the largest family departments in Cumbria and both male and female solicitors - clients can be seen very quickly at either of our two offices.

Access the local collaborative group website for much more information about how the collaborative process might be right for you.