Page 69 - Tropic Magazine Issue 18

TROPIC • L AW

New approach to a tough situation

RESPECT
Amalie Grima and Catherine Ross from Cairns Family Law
Group explore a more collaborative approach to separation
and divorce.
Separation is a time of change. For try and work out a win/win solution. in Collaborative Law are skilled at
some the experience is heartbreaking, You need a lawyer that is trained in selecting the right people for the
for others it can be liberating. Collaborative Law. Other professionals collaborative approach.
There are obviously a lot of negative such as child counsellors, financial The first business decision we made
connotations around separation and planners and accountants will be when launching Cairns Family Law
divorce, but not all divorces have to be involved in the process as needed to Group was choosing our name. The
ugly and bitter. assist you to work through the issues concept behind our name is that
You can choose to divorce differently and find a solution. we aim to connect our clients going
- with respect and dignity. To focus on If people are able to take ownership of through a family law matter with a
your children and remain respectful to their divorce and settlement and work “group” of professionals including
each other and continue to co-parent through their feelings, clearly outline accountants, financial planners,
your children. If this is the way you what they want whilst also listening to psychologists and mediators.
want to separate, it is essential that their ex about what they want, great Separation is a difficult time and you
you choose a lawyer that understands things can happen. Creative solutions need your A-team to assist you obtain
this - not the bulldog lawyer that can hopefully be achieved, and people the best outcome.
wants to rip your ex apart. Whilst it leave the process with their respect in
is tempting to take this approach, tact and come out not hating their ex Talk to Catherine and Amalie
it is not helpful in the long run and but with an understanding that things about Collaborative Law and
causes more harm than the moment have changed. other family law matters
of satisfaction that you might get. It Not all family law matters are on (07) 4051 7575 or visit
is also a sure-fire way to end up in the suited to a collaborative approach. cairnsfamilylawgroup.com.au
family court, which can be expensive Family Lawyers who are trained
and stressful.
There is a relatively new movement
in the family law space called
Collaborative Law. It is about agreeing
with your ex to work it out together
with the assistance of trained
professionals rather than going to
Court. The collaborative approach
involves a number of four-way
meetings where you meet with your ex
and your respective lawyers to identify
what each of your interests are and

Catherine Ross and Amalie Grima

69 • tropicnow.com.au