Alternatives to Court banner

Services For You

Home / Services For You / Family & Divorce / Alternatives to Court

Alternatives to Court

When a relationship breaks down, court isn't always the best solution.  It is often expensive and the process can take some time.

At Wards, we understand the stresses and difficulties that are often faced during separation.  We work with you to ensure the best outcome is achieved for everyone involved, without going to court, wherever possible.

Court proceedings can be costly, high conflict and extremely stressful.  It should be the last resort but it is sometimes necessary.

As part of the divorce process, our team of family lawyers will communicate with your former partner or their solicitor to negotiate on your behalf or advise you so that you are informed and confident about your options.  We can access services which will help you reach agreement e.g. financial or accountancy advice, or therapeutic or support services.

We regularly work with and refer our clients to mediation, and several members of our team are trained collaborative lawyers.

How mediation works

Mediation aims to give separating couples the opportunity to reach agreements without the need for court action.  Typically, couples use mediation to discuss and agree future arrangements regarding children, finances and property.

Mediation allows you to decide the arrangements, unlike court proceedings, where a Judge will decide what will happen.  A mediator is completely impartial and as such, they cannot give you any legal advice but can provide a wealth of information about the law and the Court’s approach in similar cases.

Collaborative Law

Collaborative Family Law is another way of resolving disputes between yourself and your former partner through negotiation.

The process involves both parties and their respective Collaborative Lawyers signing up to an agreement that they will not go to Court to resolve matters.  You will both need to appoint your own Collaborative Lawyer and a series of “four-way” meetings will then take place to negotiate and agree on any issues in dispute.

At Wards, several of our family team are specifically trained collaborative lawyers and we are able to advise you and support you to help achieve your objectives and the best outcome.

It is also possible to involve other professionals in the process such as financial advisors (who act in a neutral capacity to assist the couple together) or coaches (who can assist couples with the emotional side of the separation).

To book your initial free consultation, please use the green form on this page, or get in touch with our family law team by calling 0117 929 2811 or contact your local Wards office.

"Alison Bradley was fantastic throughout my case. I found her friendly, professional and she advised me appropriately when the other side were being difficult. I would therefore recommend Alison to friends, family/work colleagues."

"The support I received from Louise was invaluable. Her performance in court was excellent and I felt she represented me and my case to the highest standard."

"I will always appreciate Sylvie Feltham's advice, support and understanding at a very traumatic time in my life. Thank you."

"Without doubt truly satisfied. Could not have wished for anyone else to represent me. Amy was a saint - fantastic."

"Jessica Williams was attentive and professional at all times. Also realistic and worked in my best interests."

Important notice: please read

Cyber-crime is on the increase and solicitor transactions can be hijacked by scammers. This commonly takes the form of email or phone interception.  At the start of our working relationship we will provide you with terms of business that include our account details – these will never change.

Please be aware that we will never ask you to send money to a different bank account, particularly by email. If you receive a request for money from us please check that everything matches the details in our terms of business.

If you receive an email giving any other bank account please telephone us immediately without replying to the email or sending any money. We accept no responsibility if you transfer money to a bank account which is not ours.

Wards Solicitors