I have been practising family law for almost twenty years, and find collaborative practice to be the most effective way of resolving family law issues for many families. Collaborative practice allows the separating couple to design their own separation agreement on terms that best address their interests and their children’s interests. Couples are supported by collaboratively trained lawyers and jointly-retained collaborative neutrals, so they have the most expert, cost-effective support to help them resolve the legal, financial and emotional issues that arise on separation. We have a wonderful group of collaborative professionals in the Durham association, and I have successfully completed collaborative cases with many of them. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how you and your family would benefit from choosing collaborative practice.