Collaborative Work

Traditionally when couples separate they each take independent advice from their specialist solicitors.  They work with their solicitor to try and reach an agreement as to how to settle their differences.  In many cases with the help of Resolution solicitors couples can reach an agreement as to, for example, the amount of contact the children have with each parent and the division of the marital assets.  In cases where the couples cannot reach an agreement it is then left to the family courts to make decisions on their behalf.

An alternative is for the couples to sit down with their respective specialist family solicitors in the same room, face to face, to discuss the issues and negotiate a solution.  This is how Collaborative Family Law works but it can only be successful if the parties have a genuine desire for it to work and if the parties are open and honest with each other.  By committing to the Collaborative Family Law approach the couple are agreeing that a resolution will be found without going to court.

You still benefit from having your own independent legal advisor, but you are in control without the threat of court proceedings hanging over you.

The collaborative approach is a fundamental change in the way that family law cases are dealt with and an alternative way of resolving the issues which arise when a relationship breaks down.

You may find the following websites useful for further information and guidance: www.cflg.co.uk  and  www.resolution.org.uk

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Family law team

Julie Slater-Williams

Family Law | Head of Department | Associate Partner

Experience

Julie qualified as a Solicitor in 2005. She has specialised in Family Law all through her career, throughout Staffordshire and Cheshire. In 2015, she joined Keelys LLP. Julie is an Associate Partner and Head of Department.

Practice Area

Julie specialises in divorce, co-habitation, financial settlements, and has a particular focus on Children proceedings, having extensive experience in this area.

Qualifications

Solicitor

Interests

Julie is a keen reader, traveller and enjoys spending time with her children doing fun things.

Phone:01543 420011

Email:jslater-williams@keelys.co.uk

Marie Bell

Family Law | Matrimonial Executive

Experience

Marie joined Keelys’ in December 2013.  She has over 18 years experience of working within a family law department.  Marie became an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (now known as CILEX Member – Paralegal) on the 1^st September 2009 and she obtained her certificate in family law in August 2011.  Marie is currently working towards her Level 6 Professional Higher Diploma in Law to become an Advanced Paralegal, with a view to completing the full qualification in due course.

Reporting to

Head of Family Law department: Julie Slater-Williams

Interests

Out of work Marie enjoys the outdoors by volunteering on a Local Nature Reserve, walking and cruising the inland waterways on a narrowboat.  She also enjoys wildlife photography.

Phone:01543 420031

Email:mbell@keelys.co.uk