At Align Family Law, our approach to resolving family law matters is to prioritize collaboration and communication and to avoid costly and emotionally trying court battles where possible.
One of the main tools we use in that approach is negotiation. Our experienced lawyers use a cooperative rather than adversarial approach, working with you and the other side to reach a fair and balanced separation agreement that works for everyone.
At Align Family Law, our approach to resolving family law matters is to prioritize collaboration and communication and to avoid costly and emotionally trying court battles where possible.
One of the main tools we use in that approach is negotiation. Our experienced lawyers use a cooperative rather than adversarial approach, working with you and the other side to reach a fair and balanced separation agreement that works for everyone.
Whether you’re legally married or in a common-law relationship, the process for negotiating a resolution to the issues related to a separation is the same. Our approach prioritizes reaching cooperative agreements to achieve an outcome that’s best for our clients and their families.
First, we will sit down with you in a consultation to go over all of the issues in dispute between you and your spouse.
Those issues may include the following:
In the negotiation process, once we understand your desired outcome, we begin communicating with the other side. The goal is for the two parties to reach an agreement on a set of terms that will ultimately be formalized in a separation agreement or court order.
We may draft the separation agreement in a collaborative process with your spouse. However, in other cases, we come to the table with a proposal, and your spouse comes to the table with their own proposal. In these situations, we will need to negotiate with your spouse and their legal team to reach a resolution that is satisfactory to both sides.
Family lawyers help facilitate negotiation discussions between spouses to reach agreements on important matters like asset division, parenting arrangements, and support. They provide legal advice, guide negotiations, and draft legally binding agreements.
With their knowledge of family law and negotiation skills, family lawyers can help keep negotiations focused, prevent conflicts from escalating, and find creative solutions that meet both parties’ needs, ultimately expediting the separation process.
The goal of negotiation is to draft a legally binding separation agreement or court order that is acceptable to both parties. Expect open communication, thorough legal guidance, and assistance in exploring various options for resolving conflicts. Your lawyer will advocate for your interests while also working towards a fair and mutually acceptable agreement with the other side.
In cases of disagreement, our family lawyers can represent you in mediation, working with a neutral third party who acts as the mediator. Alternatively, Align Family Law founder Joanne Martin is an accredited family law mediator and can serve as an impartial third party to help a separating couple shape an agreement that works for their family. If all else fails, our family lawyers can take your case to court and represent you through litigation.
The duration of negotiation varies depending on the complexity of your case and the willingness of both parties to cooperate. While some separations can be resolved amicably within a few months, others may require more time for thorough discussion and resolution. Your lawyer will work efficiently to minimize delays and achieve a timely resolution.
Separation doesn’t have to be a drawn-out and bitter court battle. With experienced negotiators like those at Align Family Law, it is possible for you and your spouse to reach an amicable resolution, saving time, money, and conflict in the process.
Contact us today for a free consultation and tell us your story.
We have offices in Victoria, Kimberley and Vancouver and can assist clients anywhere in British Columbia.
Fill out our form and an Align Family Law team member will contact you within one business day to schedule your Zoom call with a British Columbia family law lawyer.
© 2024 Align Family Law. | 
