When your relationship changes or breaks down, resolving practical and emotional challenges can feel daunting. For many families, collaborative law offers a constructive and dignified alternative to the stress and uncertainty of court proceedings.
Our collaborative family law solicitors deliver steady, informed and compassionate guidance to help you reach agreements that reflect your priorities. Recognised by the Legal 500 for our exceptional client care, we support you through a process that emphasises open communication, respect and long-term stability.
Clients who choose collaborative law benefit from our measured approach, our extensive divorce, children and family law experience, and our dedication to building strong working relationships. With offices in Reading, Tadley, Staines and Richmond, our collaborative family solicitors assist clients across all aspects of collaborative divorce and separation, including:
- Collaborative divorce
- Financial settlements and division of assets
- Child arrangements
- Spousal maintenance and child maintenance
Contact our collaborative family law solicitors in Reading, Richmond, Staines and Tadley
For clear and practical advice on collaborative family law, contact our specialist team in Reading, Tadley, Staines, and Richmond. You can use our simple enquiry form or send an email to info-reading@rowberrymorris.co.uk. A member of our experienced family law team will respond promptly to help you begin the process with confidence.
Our collaborative family law expertise
Collaborative law is designed to promote cooperation and reduce conflict, allowing separating couples to resolve issues while maintaining control over the outcome. Our collaborative lawyers are trained in this specialist approach and have supported clients through matters ranging from straightforward separations to complex financial and childcare arrangements.
We work closely with clients across the divorce process: whether you are exploring separation, ready to initiate the collaborative process, or require guidance after negotiations have stalled elsewhere. Our priority is to help you achieve a well-balanced, workable agreement that supports your family’s future.
Our collaborative family law services
Collaborative divorce
Collaborative divorce involves a series of structured meetings where both parties and their solicitors work together to reach an agreement without going to court. Everyone commits to resolving matters constructively, so discussions can take place in a safe, respectful environment.
Our collaborative family solicitors will prepare you for each meeting so you feel confident and informed, support you in expressing your views clearly and calmly, help keep discussions focused on practical solutions rather than past disagreements, and, where helpful, work alongside other professionals such as counsellors or financial experts.
This approach is particularly beneficial for couples who want to preserve positive family relationships or maintain privacy throughout the separation process.
Financial settlements & asset division
Financial matters can feel particularly complex during a separation. The collaborative process encourages transparency and fairness, with both parties openly sharing financial information and working together to create a settlement that reflects long-term needs.
We can assist with the division of the family home and any other property, the valuation and distribution of savings, investments and pensions, as well as business or partnership interests, and the treatment of ongoing financial commitments and liabilities. We also have a specialist financial disputes team.
Child arrangements
Deciding how children will spend time with each parent is often one of the most sensitive aspects of separation. Collaborative law provides a supportive framework that keeps children at the heart of every discussion.
Our solicitors can help you agree on practical living arrangements, including residence, schedules for time spent with each parent, and how holidays, travel, education, health and wider wellbeing will be managed.
We encourage a forward-looking mindset, helping parents create arrangements that are realistic, flexible and genuinely supportive of their child’s needs.
Spousal maintenance and child maintenance
Maintenance discussions can feel personal and emotionally charged. Through the collaborative process, these issues can be approached with clarity and transparency, helping both parties understand what is fair in light of needs, income and responsibilities.
We advise on spousal maintenance following separation or divorce, child maintenance arrangements (including longer-term planning), and the factors that may influence future payments, as well as how maintenance interacts with other financial decisions. Our goal is always to help you reach an agreement that supports financial stability for everyone involved.
Frequently asked questions about collaborative family law
What is collaborative family law, and how does it differ from mediation?
Collaborative law involves each party instructing their own specially trained solicitor, and all discussions take place in joint meetings. Mediation uses an independent mediator to guide conversations. In collaborative law, your solicitor is present throughout to support and advise you, while mediation requires seeking separate legal advice outside the sessions.
What are the key benefits of using collaborative law over going to court?
Collaborative law is typically faster, more private and less adversarial than court proceedings. It allows you to maintain control over the outcome, reduce stress, protect family relationships, and work towards solutions that genuinely meet your needs rather than relying on a court-imposed decision.
What’s the typical cost of the collaborative law process in the UK?
Costs vary depending on the number of meetings required and the complexity of the issues involved. Generally, collaborative law is more cost-effective than court proceedings because it focuses on early resolution and cooperation. We can provide clear cost estimates at the outset of your case.
What happens if the collaborative law process fails and we can’t reach an agreement?
If either party decides to stop the process, both collaborative solicitors must withdraw from acting. New representation will be required if the matter proceeds to court. While this may feel like a disadvantage, it reinforces the commitment to reaching an agreement collaboratively wherever possible.
How long does a collaborative family law process usually take?
Many collaborative cases resolve within a few months, although the exact timeframe depends on the complexity of the issues and the availability of participants. Because meetings are scheduled around your needs, the process can move at a pace that feels comfortable yet efficient.
What is the role of the solicitors and other professionals in the collaborative process?
Your solicitor acts as your adviser, negotiator and guide, helping you communicate effectively and make informed decisions. Other professionals—such as financial advisers, pension specialists or family counsellors—may be invited to contribute when their expertise is needed to support a balanced agreement.
Contact our collaborative family law solicitors in Reading, Richmond, Staines and Tadley
For clear and practical advice on collaborative family law, contact our specialist team in Reading, Tadley, Staines, and Richmond. You can use our simple enquiry form or send an email to info-reading@rowberrymorris.co.uk. A member of our experienced family law team will respond promptly to help you begin the process with confidence.
Get in touch
What Our Clients Say
“I received an excellent service from Peter Reynolds, Rowberry Morris throughout my divorce and I felt every matter was handled with the upmost care and professionalism. I can highly recommend. I will most definitely be using the services of Rowberry Morris in the future should the need arise.”
“I had an exceptional experience with Stuart during a challenging time. He acted as a calming confidante, breaking down complex legal issues into understandable terms. His professionalism and amazing communication kept me informed and supported throughout the process. His empathetic approach made all the difference, and I truly appreciated his understanding and guidance. Highly recommend!”
“I would highly recommend Stuart! I found his calm approach to difficult situations very helpful. He offered good, honest professional advice which allowed the arduous process of divorce/family matters to come to a fair conclusion. Thank you Stuart and Eileen for a thorough professional service.”
“Great professional service. Peter Reynolds was not only understanding of my case, but executed it with care and consideration of those close to me. Highly experienced family lawyer.”
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to my solicitor, Peter Reynolds, and his team, Elizabeth and Lorraine, for their exceptional support, professionalism, and friendly service throughout my divorce process, which lasted over three years. Peter’s advice and expertise were second to none, providing invaluable guidance and unwavering support, especially in the face of a sometimes very challenging approach from the other side.
I would not hesitate to recommend Rowberry Morris—particularly Peter and his team—to anyone in need of truly professional and compassionate legal counsel. Their guidance, direction, and understanding were invaluable in navigating one of life’s toughest moments.”
“Briliant firm. Responsive, great comms & a professional service end to end. All interactions with staff were met with a level of compassion & diligence.”
“I found Stuart’s calm and reassuring approach to my matter very reassuring. I felt I was in safe hands. His work to finalise my divorce was handled in an efficient and speedy manner. I was kept informed at every step of the process and more complex issues were handled sensitively. Legal terminologies were clearly explained and I always felt fully in touch with the process and implications of what I was entering into were made clear. Eileen deserves recognition for her support and guidance throughout the process. I would have no hesitation in appointing Stuart to assist me again if the need ever arose.”
“I’ve dealt with Rowberry Morris twice and in both cases they were excellent and secured the desired result with great communication, advice and guidance throughout. I won’t hesitate to use them again in the future. Thank you again Peter and Katherine.”
“Cannot thank Luke enough for his excellent service. Would definitely recommend.”