Our Family Law Solicitors
Clare PeckettDirector and Solicitor
Allan LayfieldDirector and Solicitor
Toby NettingDirector and Solicitor
Juliet WalkerConsultant Solicitor
Samantha DownesAssociate Solicitor
Collaborative law is an alternative to court proceedings and gives you control of your separation, from the way you split your property, childcare and finances to how long the process takes and who it involves.
Going through a divorce or separation is tough. At Switalskis, we have specially trained collaborative family law solicitors ready to work with you to negotiate a separation agreement that works for you.
Collaborative law is an alternative to court proceedings and gives you control of your separation, from the way you split your property, childcare and finances to how long the process takes and who it involves. The collaborative process has face-to-face meetings at a mutually agreed time and location, with you, your ex-partner and your collaborative solicitors. The aim is to resolve matters away from the court, but still offer strong legal advice and support along the way through a trained collaborative law solicitor.
The focus of a collaborative divorce is to avoid you or your ex taking a strong position. Instead we concentrate on solutions that meet the needs of everyone as much as possible. We can also include financial, child and other experts to join the meetings so you can get advice from relevant experts and achieve the best outcome together.
Our family solicitors offer a free 30-minute telephone consultation to explain the collaborative process and work out which is is the best approach for you. The team are based across Yorkshire and work with clients from Leeds and Wakefield to Sheffield and Scarborough.
We want to make sure you get the right solicitor for you, so we offer everyone a free initial consultation to tell us about your situation. You can then decide if we would be a good fit to represent you.
Get the support you need from our expert solicitors - schedule your free initial consultation now on 0800 995 6040, or fill in our form.
Family matters are complex and emotive, but there is no need to navigate them alone. At Switalskis, we're more than just solicitors; we're compassionate people who will listen to your circumstances and help you move forward.
Our team will guide you every step of the way. We'll break down your options and rights in plain English, tailoring our advice to your circumstances. You'll never be left unsure because we're committed to easing your concerns and answering your questions.
Many of our solicitors are members of Resolution, a respected network of family law specialists who are committed to the constructive resolution of family matters. Others are trained mediators and qualified collaborative lawyers because not every case has to go to court; with the right support, most family matters can be agreed amicably. Our memberships and accreditations mean you can rely on us for quality, up-to-date professional advice.
Don’t wait - get expert advice and discover your options for claiming compensation today on 0800 995 6040, or fill in our form.
Each case varies depending on the time spent. We will provide you with an estimate of your costs at the outset and keep your costs under close review. Initially it can seem more expensive than traditional litigation but it is often cheaper, especially if you can avoid court proceedings.
In order or collaborative law proceedings to be successful, you should enter your meetings well-prepared with the following:
Every situation is different, so it's important you take the right steps for you. Collaborative law can offer many benefits, including:
Traditionally when couples separate, they each take advice from their solicitors. They work through their solicitors to try to reach an agreement on how to split their assets and, if applicable, the responsibilities for their children.
While it’s possible to reach an agreement this way, those who don’t will have to go through the courts, which can take up to two years along with the uncertainty that litigation can bring added costs.
This means it will be the court that decides what action is most appropriate for you and your family.
Collaborative law and mediation might seem similar, but they're not the same. In collaborative law, you and your partner each have a collaborative solicitor with you all the time, giving you legal advice as you go along. In mediation, there's just one person - the mediator - who helps both of you. The mediator can give you general legal information, but they'll tell you to get your own solicitor for personalised advice.
Family law issues can be hard, but you don't have to go it alone. At Switalskis, we offer straightforward, useful advice to guide you during this tough time.
Family law has its own maze of legal rules. But we're here to make complex situations easy to understand. We'll be with you from the get-go, taking care of the paperwork and all the fine print, and keeping you updated at each step.
We understand that family law matters aren't just about the law; they're big life changes. Our solicitors aren’t just legal experts, but also great listeners. We focus on what you really need and tailor our services to fit your specific situation.
We have been involved in family law for many years, and we understand the complexity of every family matter. When you're dealing with important family issues, you need quality advice. Whatever your situation, we have the know-how to manage it smoothly.
Our aim is to set you up for a brighter future after resolving your family law issues. We'll make sure you're fully protected by the law and supported along the way.
If you're faced with a family law issue and would like personalised advice, get in touch with our team today.
Call us on 0800 995 6040 or get in touch through our website.