Collaborative Family Law Scotland – Divorce Without Court Battles
Collaborative family law offers a revolutionary approach to divorce and separation in Scotland. Instead of battling in court, you and your partner work together with specially trained collaborative lawyers to reach fair agreements. At Rooney Family Law, we’re proud members of Consensus Scotland and pioneers of this cost-effective, dignified approach to family disputes.
We deal with a wide range of complex separation and divorce cases ranging from assets worth thousands of pounds to multi-million-pound cases involving businesses, inheritance, pensions, property, and everything in between. Our collaborative law specialists have helped hundreds of Scottish families avoid court whilst achieving fair, lasting agreements.
Success Rate
Cost Savings vs Court
Average Resolution
Private & Confidential
Why Choose Collaborative Family Law?
Traditional divorce through the courts can cost £20,000-£100,000+ and take years. Collaborative law typically costs 50-70% less and resolves in months, not years. More importantly, it preserves relationships and protects children from conflict.
Collaborative law is different because:
- No court battles – Everything is resolved through structured meetings
- Team approach – Financial specialists and family consultants support you
- Child-focused – Children’s needs come first, always
- Cost-effective – One team working together, not two teams fighting
- Future-focused – Build workable relationships for co-parenting
- Completely confidential – Nothing said can be used in court later
🎯 Scotland’s ONLY Collaborative Law Firm with 3-Minute Billing
Save 20-30% on collaborative law fees – We charge in 3-minute increments whilst every other firm charges 6-10 minute blocks
✓ Quick email check = £10 (not £30 elsewhere)
✓ Brief phone call = £15 (not £30 elsewhere)
✓ Collaborative meeting prep = actual time (not rounded up)
How Collaborative Law Works
📝 Step 1: The Agreement
Both parties and their collaborative lawyers sign a participation agreement. This commits everyone to resolving matters without court. If anyone threatens court proceedings, both lawyers must withdraw – ensuring everyone is committed to the process.
- Full financial disclosure
- Respectful communication
- Child-focused decisions
- No court threats
👥 Step 2: The Team
We assemble the right team for your situation. This might include financial specialists for complex assets, family consultants for children’s needs, or pension experts for retirement planning.
Asset valuations
Children’s voices
Retirement planning
Optimal structures
🤝 Step 3: Resolution
Through structured four-way meetings, we work towards comprehensive agreements covering all aspects of your separation. Everything is documented and made legally binding.
Perfect for Complex Cases
Collaborative law excels in complex situations that would be expensive and lengthy in court. Our collaborative lawyers have successfully handled:
Business Owners
Protecting companies whilst ensuring fair division. Valuations from £100k to £50M+
International Assets
Properties, investments, and interests across multiple jurisdictions
High Net Worth
Multi-million pound estates with trusts, investments, and complex structures
Professional Practices
Medical, dental, legal, and accounting partnerships requiring careful handling
Family Businesses
Third-generation companies, farming estates, and inherited wealth
Creative Professionals
Intellectual property, royalties, and future earning capacity
⚠️ Why Other Firms Don’t Promote Collaborative Law:
- More profitable to fight: Court battles generate higher fees (we prefer fair solutions)
- Requires special training: Not all lawyers are trained in collaborative practice (all ours are)
- Demands different skills: Negotiation over litigation (we excel at both)
- Less dramatic: No “winning” in court (we measure success by your satisfaction)
- Transparency required: Full disclosure from day one (we believe in honesty)
The Consensus Scotland Advantage
As members of Consensus Scotland, we’re part of Scotland’s premier collaborative law network. This means:
- Access to Scotland’s most experienced collaborative professionals
- Continuous professional development and best practice sharing
- Established relationships with financial specialists and family consultants
- Proven processes refined over thousands of successful cases
- Quality assurance through peer review and supervision
Collaborative Law vs Traditional Divorce
| Aspect | Collaborative Law | Court Proceedings |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | £5,000 – £15,000 | £20,000 – £100,000+ |
| Timeframe | 4-6 months | 12-36 months |
| Privacy | 100% confidential | Public record |
| Control | You decide together | Judge decides |
| Relationship | Preserves co-parenting | Often destroys it |
| Children’s Impact | Minimal stress | Often traumatic |
Success Stories from Our Collaborative Clients
“Collaborative law saved our family business and our children’s inheritance. The 3-minute billing meant we weren’t afraid to communicate properly. Worth every penny.”
– David & Sarah M.
£3.5M business division, October 2024
“After seeing friends spend £80k on court battles, we chose collaborative. Settled everything for £12k and can still talk to each other. Our kids are thriving.”
– Jennifer R.
Complex property portfolio, November 2024
“The team approach was brilliant. Having a financial neutral saved thousands in expert fees. Rooney’s 3-minute billing saved even more. Highly recommend.”
– Robert K.
International assets case, September 2024
Is Collaborative Law Right for You?
Collaborative law works best when:
- Both parties want a fair resolution
- You have complex finances needing creative solutions
- Children’s wellbeing is the priority
- Privacy and confidentiality matter
- You want to control costs and timescales
- Future relationships need preserving (co-parenting, business partnerships)
It might not suit if:
- There’s domestic abuse or coercion
- One party refuses to negotiate fairly
- Hidden assets are suspected
- Immediate court protection is needed
Not sure? Get in touch and we’ll honestly assess whether collaboration or more traditional methods such as litigation would work best for your situation.
Our Collaborative Law Expertise
✓ 100% Family Law Focus – We don’t dilute our expertise with other areas of law
✓ Consensus Scotland Members – Part of Scotland’s premier collaborative network
✓ Advanced Training – All our collaborative lawyers have specialist certification
✓ Team Established – Strong relationships with financial specialists and family consultants
✓ 3-Minute Billing – Scotland’s fairest billing system saves you 20-30%
✓ Proven Success – 85% of our collaborative cases reach full agreement
Expert Collaborative Lawyers Across Scotland
Queen Street
Woodside Place
Thornliebank
West Lothian
Central Scotland
Vicar Street
South Lanarkshire
Peel Park
Start Your Collaborative Journey Today
Don’t let divorce destroy your family’s future. Collaborative law offers a better way – one that preserves relationships, protects children, and saves thousands in legal fees.
With our unique 3-minute billing system, Consensus Scotland membership, and eight offices across Scotland, we make collaborative law accessible and affordable for everyone.
Transform Conflict into Agreement
FREE 15-minute consultation • Collaborative law assessment • Complete confidentiality
Quick Resolution
4-6 months average
3-Min Billing
Save 20-30%
Consensus Members
Scotland’s best network
85% Success
Agreement rate
Rooney Family Law – Scotland’s Only Collaborative Law Firm with 3-Minute Billing
Consensus Scotland Members • Established 2018 •
Collaborative Guide •
Divorce Options •
Transparent Fees
Rooney Family Law is regulated by the Law Society of Scotland. Professional indemnity insurance is in place.
Collaborative law agreements are legally binding when properly executed.
