How does Solicitor-led Negotiation work?
Solicitor-led negotiation can take place at any point and is frequently used both before and during court proceedings. Simply because court proceedings are issued, it does not mean that the parties have to stop negotiating.
Methods of solicitor led negotiation
There are a number of methods that can be used as part of solicitor-led negotiation:
Letters
The benefits are:
- It provides time to reflect upon the contents of the letter;
- There is a written record.
The disadvantages to using a letter are:
- It tends to take a little longer to progress matters;
- There is the risk that the contents can be misinterpreted.
Telephone
The benefits are:
- Speed;
- Less room for misinterpretation.
The disadvantages are:
- There can be disagreement over what is said;
- There is a risk that things can be mis-communicated when the lawyers report back to their clients.
Round table meetings
These can take place with both lawyers and their respective clients all in the same room or, if either of the clients feel uncomfortable with this, then the clients can each be in separate rooms with the lawyers meeting.
The benefits are:
- Speed – with everyone in one place it is quick to be able to take instructions;
- Less room for misinterpretation if everyone is round the table then it is generally easier for people to explain their positions;
- A Family Consultant can be used as part of the process to help the clients with any emotional issues that are causing difficulty in reaching an agreement.
The disadvantages are:
- The upfront cost is more expensive. However, often the progress that can be made in a single meeting avoids months of correspondence;
- Sometimes people can feel put under pressure to agree. However, it is important to remember that no agreement has to be reached at that point. It is ok to say that you want to be able to consider matters.
If you would like an appointment with one of our specialists then please contact us on 0330 055 2234.
You have more choices than you might think
We are committed to advising you of all the options available to you, and (unlike other family lawyers) will support you with solutions that avoid the traditional court process.
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