An approach to divorce that avoids acrimonious allegations and accusations of blame is introduced by judges and lawyers today. More than 1,000 family lawyers have trained in what is called “collaborative law”, which aims to preserve dignity in divorce.
James Stewart, a partner with Manches, the London law firm, and one of the pioneers of “collaborative law”, said: “British residents can’t simply cite irreconcilable differences. Many clients are dismayed by the need to make allegations when, in their view, they and their spouse have simply drifted apart and the split is amicable.”
The main advantages of the new approach were speed and flexibility, although it could also reduce costs, he said.