Divorce is never a pleasant experience for a couple to go through, especially if children are involved in the break up. However, it doesn�t have to be the ugly argument that many people think it might be according to a Nottingham family law specialist.

Patrick Mullins from West Bridgford solicitors, Robert Barber, believes the collaborative family law approach when a break up is inevitable may suit an increasing number of couples. The new system deals with a divorce in a dignified manor and allows both parties to reach a settlement outside of court.

�Many people automatically think that getting a divorce is going to be stressful and upsetting by dragging your personal life through the courts,� explains Patrick. �That need not be the case now though. By using collaborative family law, both parties can still have a solicitor representing them but they meet in a more relaxed environment and work together to resolve children and financial issues arising out of the separation. For an increasing number, it�s an ideal solution if they want to avoid traditional to-ing and fro-ing with solicitors or do not wish to go through mediation.�

Within the collaborative family law process a settlement is reached through four-way meetings with the couple and their respective solicitors. Each party must disclose all information and the collaborative lawyers will work in a non-confrontational way with the other party to reach a resolution. Should a unanimous agreement not be reached then court proceedings would begin.

Patrick added: �It is inevitable that a relationship breakdown will involve financial and emotional costs but by using this process those problems can be dealt with.�

Patrick Mullins, one of Robert Barber Solicitors� family law specialists, is a member of Resolution (the Solicitor�s Family Law Association), a trained collaborative family law specialist and mediator.