Norfolk lawyers form new group to help promote a “good divorce”

Relationship breakdowns can prove painful and costly for many families caught up in the eye of the storm.

But a new grouping of Norfolk solicitors is hoping to promote an approach based on collaboration rather than confrontation in a bid to put couples back in control of the process.

Adney Payne, chairman of the group, said the group, which was launched at the Forum earlier this month, was seeking to explain the importance of making divorce and separation as painless as possible.

'A relationship break-up will always be stressful', he said, 'but if a couple can tackle the issues face-to-face, then positions can become less entrenched and it becomes much more likely that we can help them reach a fair and reasonable outcome. The Good Divorce Group members are committed to a non-confrontational approach and couples going down this route don't need to take their case to court – which can have the added benefit of saving both time and money'. Neale Grearson of QualitySolicitors Clapham & Collinge, who is secretary of the group, said the laywers were passionate about giving control back to the couple who are separating.

'In the bad old days, divorce lawyers might encourage their clients to adopt an aggressive position – to hold out for the best possible deal without flexibility.' he said. 'Separating finances and making arrangements for contact with children are, of course, difficult and emotive issues, but we find that couples can and will find a solution through dialogue.' Collaborative Law, Mediation and Arbitration are the three core Good Divorce strategies. All three require both honesty and commitment from the participating couple and focus on achieving agreement through dialogue and discussion. They involve the couple working with specially trained lawyers and other advisers in face-to-face meetings to build an agreement that works for both parties.

To find out more about the group go to www.gooddivorcenorfolk.co.uk