Collaborative Family Law Solicitors in London
Specialist Collaborative Divorce Lawyers
Our Collaborative Family Lawyers work in London and UK wide to help families achieve the best outcomes possible during the worst times.
Call 020 7485 8811 to speak to a specialist.
“Osbornes have a first-class family law team providing an excellent service for their loyal clients.”
“Lisa Pepper is a highly engaging solicitor, well-loved by her clients. She is commercial, pragmatic, a tough negotiator, and not afraid of judges and going to court.”
“Lisa Pepper is an effective, highly skilled family lawyer but also an absolutely brilliant mediator. She instils confidence in everyone around her.”
A collaborative divorce lawyer helps you resolve matters on your terms, at your pace, with legal advice at every stage. At Osbornes Law, our collaborative family law solicitors in London are led by Lisa Pepper, a Chambers-recognised specialist in collaborative law.
What Is Collaborative Family Law?
Collaborative family law is one of the least understood options available to separating couples — yet it has been formally recognised in England and Wales as an official alternative to court since 2024.
Both parties each instruct their own solicitor trained in collaborative law. All four people, the two clients and their two collaborative family lawyers, sit around the same table in structured four-way meetings to negotiate finances, property, and children’s arrangements. Before each meeting, the solicitors agree an agenda so discussions stay focused and productive.
At the outset, everyone signs a participation agreement. This includes a critical disqualification clause: if the process breaks down, both solicitors must withdraw entirely. Both parties would need to instruct new lawyers from scratch. That shared consequence creates a powerful incentive for everyone to work towards agreement. In practice, it means your collaborative divorce lawyer is fully committed to finding a resolution.
Unlike court, there is no judge setting the timetable. You and your partner decide the pace and agenda. Neutral experts, such as independent financial advisers, family consultants, or child specialists, can be brought in at shared cost when needed. Financial disclosure happens openly across the table. Collaborative law covers financial settlement, pensions, property, children’s arrangements, business interests, prenups, and civil partnership dissolution.
Collaborative Family Law vs Mediation
In family mediation, neither party has a lawyer in the room. In collaborative family law, both do. That single difference changes everything about how negotiations play out.
A mediator is neutral. They facilitate discussion but cannot give legal advice to either party. You receive legal advice separately, before or after sessions. Mediation works well for simpler matters where both parties are broadly aligned.
With collaborative family law solicitors, each person has their own solicitor present at every meeting, giving live legal advice throughout. The solicitors actively help negotiate. This makes collaborative law stronger for complex finances, pensions, business interests, or situations where there is a knowledge imbalance between parties. For example, if one person managed the household finances while the other did not, having a solicitor in the room ensures both sides understand the full picture before agreeing anything.
Both approaches are NCDR and both keep you out of court. But if your situation involves higher stakes or greater complexity, collaborative law gives you legal representation throughout the process. Our collaborative law solicitors in London at Osbornes regularly help clients decide which route suits them, and we are always honest about when mediation alone may be enough for an amicable divorce.
How Our Collaborative Divorce Lawyers Work With You
Most collaborative divorces resolve in two to five meetings over six to twelve months. Here is what each stage looks like.
First, you meet your collaborative divorce solicitor individually. The Osbornes family law team assess your situation, explain the process, and confirm it is suitable for you. Second, both parties and their solicitors sign the participation agreement, including the disqualification clause.
Third, you move into four-way meetings, typically two to five sessions. You discuss matters round the table with a set agenda. Financial disclosure happens openly. Neutral experts are brought in if needed for pensions, valuations, or child welfare.
Fourth, once you agree terms, your solicitor drafts them into a consent order. Fifth, your solicitor submits the consent order to court for approval. This is a formality and you do not attend. The statutory 26-week minimum divorce timeline runs in parallel, so the cooperative divorce process does not add extra waiting time.
The numbers tell the story. A collaborative divorce typically costs between £5,000 and £15,000, compared with £25,000 to £50,000 or more for contested litigation. It takes 6 to 12 months rather than 18 to 24 months or longer through the courts.
As Chambers UK notes: “Lisa Pepper is always looking for a solution and has a very sympathetic approach to clients. She is highly regarded for her collaborative law practice.”
Is Collaborative Law Right for You?
Not every divorce is suited to collaboration, and a good collaborative solicitor will tell you that upfront.
Collaborative law works well when:
- Both parties want to avoid court and reach a fair resolution
- There are children and you want to protect the co-parenting relationship
- Finances are complex (property, pensions, businesses) but both parties will disclose openly
- You want control over the outcome rather than leaving decisions to a judge
- You value privacy, as collaborative meetings are confidential while court proceedings are not
It is not suitable when:
- There has been domestic abuse or coercive control
- One party is hiding assets or refusing to engage honestly
- There is a significant power imbalance that cannot be managed in meetings
- One party is using delay as a tactic
Lisa Pepper is a member of Resolution, the professional body of around 5,700 family law solicitors in England and Wales and the sole organisation training and accrediting collaborative law practitioners. As one client put it: “Without her help, we would have ended up in court at great expense to us both.”
Chambers UK: “One of the most amiable, friendly and talented lawyers in London… fights my corner but understands the importance of resolving issues without unnecessary escalation.”
To speak with one of our solicitors, contact us by:
- Filling in our online enquiry form; or
- Calling us on 020 7485 8811
Frequently Asked Questions About Collaborative Family Law
What is the collaborative family law process?
Both parties each instruct their own collaborative family law solicitors. Everyone signs a participation agreement committing to resolve matters without court. The agreement includes the disqualification clause, meaning both solicitors must withdraw if the process breaks down.
You then attend four-way meetings, where both clients and both solicitors negotiate together to reach a legally binding agreement. GOV.UK recognises collaborative law as Non-Court Dispute Resolution. It covers divorce, finances, children’s arrangements, and civil partnership dissolution.
How long does collaborative divorce take?
Typically 6 to 12 months, including two to five four-way meetings. The statutory minimum divorce period of 26 weeks runs alongside the collaborative process, so both timelines progress together. By comparison, contested litigation usually takes 18 to 24 months or longer. Collaborative law is faster because there are no court delays or waiting for hearing dates. You can also schedule meetings around work and family commitments rather than waiting for court availability.
How much does collaborative divorce cost?
A collaborative divorce lawyer typically charges between £5,000 and £15,000 depending on financial complexity, the number of meetings required, and whether neutral experts are needed. Contested court proceedings usually run from £25,000 to over £50,000. Costs are more predictable because the parties control the pace and agenda. Neutral experts such as financial advisers are shared between both sides, halving the cost compared with each party appointing their own.
What happens if collaborative law breaks down?
Both collaborative law solicitors must withdraw under the disqualification clause in the participation agreement. Both parties then instruct entirely new lawyers, which means additional cost and delay. Breakdown is rare precisely because everyone has a financial incentive to reach agreement. Any information shared during collaborative meetings cannot be used in subsequent court proceedings without the consent of both parties. In practice, the disqualification clause is what makes the process work: it keeps all four people focused on resolution.
Is collaborative family law suitable if there has been domestic abuse?
No. Collaborative family law requires both parties to negotiate freely and openly as equals. Where there has been domestic abuse, coercive control, or a significant power imbalance, the process is not appropriate. Court proceedings with proper safeguards, including non-molestation orders and fact-finding hearings, are the right route in those circumstances. A collaborative family law solicitor will assess suitability carefully at the initial consultation before recommending the process.
Melissa Arnold has a broad family law practice which encompasses high net worth divorce, financial remedy and nuptial agreement matters.
Maeve Lucey is good with clients and knows her stuff when it comes to money work.
They are very committed to their clients. They go above and beyond what is expected.
Osbornes has a well-equipped and strong team of expert lawyers working at the top of their game to provide exceptionally high-quality representation to clients.
The firm is packed with experience.
Novel points of law are quickly noticed and there is appetite and ability to attack difficult cases.
Osbornes Law's family team has a notable focus on Hague Convention proceedings.
A very responsive team with great communication skills who like to work collaboratively on a case.
The team is excellent and can cover a range of issues.
Osbornes Law offers affluent clients representation in high-value, complex family matters.
Osbornes do some really complex work. The team is very solutions-focused, know the law and know when to take a firm line.
Osbornes' solicitors know what their client needs are on each day as it’s an emotional and difficult journey. They are always there, 24/7.
Osbornes has a culture of dedication to clients and hard work.
The firm is very capable at dealing with complex and difficult cases with strong pragmatism and client handling skills.
It is a team of highly skilled and experienced lawyers which means it has the ability to assist clients in all areas of family law
Osbornes is an impressive team of lawyers and really well led.
Head of team Mark Freedman represents a wide range of individuals, including media figures, entrepreneurs, and CEOs in their financial remedy matters.
Mark is commercially savvy and know how to do a sensible deal when necessary, but is also prepared to fight when the case demands it.
Mark knows exactly how a case will pan out from the outset and gives realistic and robust advice to his clients.
Mark Freedman is a hugely experienced and respected operator.
Lisa brings an ‘A-class act’ when mediating in areas of financial remedy work and cases involving children.
Lisa Pepper is the ’go-to’ for all types of mediation - hybrid, shuttle, full and half days.
Lisa has a knack of focusing on the important issues and steering a path towards resolution.
Lisa Pepper is an excellent mediator, whom I have no hesitation in recommending to clients as she is extremely knowledgeable and supportive.
Lisa Pepper is one of the London stars, managing tough cases with kindness and deep knowledge. She's one of the capital's go-to.
Lisa Pepper is a terrific mediator. She is warm, engaging and has years of skill and experience behind her. A class act.
Lisa Pepper advises on cross-border cases involving clients and assets in Switzerland, France, and Antigua.
Lisa Pepper is unflappable, enormously conscientious and great for cases with a tricky children and financial dimension effortlessly between Gibraltar, Spain and English jurisdictions.
They represent the whole spectrum of society, through to the most high-net-worth clients.
Osbornes are one of the few firms in London that are able to offer a high level of expertise across the family law spectrum, whether children or finances or public or private law.
A highly respected firm with many capable lawyers.
The firm is adept at pre- and post-nuptial agreements and also has a niche confiscation practice.
Osbornes‘ family team handles divorce and financial matters involving trusts, locating assets within companies, and resolving multijurisdictional issues.
Osbornes is an under-the-radar jewel. They have very good lawyers who are tenacious and highly effective.
Osbornes have a first-class family law team providing an excellent service for their loyal clients.
They care about their casework, and they do a full spectrum of family work, handling complex finance matters and also difficult children work.
A really dynamic and knowledgeable firm with high quality individuals from top to bottom.
Great firm with a brilliant reputation.
They are a full-service team dealing with both children and money.
Osbornes are a London based firm but their client list goes far and wide.
Osbornes has a culture of dedication to clients and hard work.
Osbornes do some really complex work. The team is very solutions-focused, know the law and know when to take a firm line.
Osbornes' solicitors know what their client needs on each day as it’s an emotional and difficult journey. They are always there, 24/7.
Osbornes offers a high level of client care and manages client expectations realistically.
They have a strong team, are heavyweights in this space and are very well respected in the courts.
Osbornes handle a significant amount of complex, high-value divorce work.
Osbornes have talented fee-earners at all levels.
Osbornes is a top-end firm, a very well-established name. They have high-value matters, deal with complex matters and have a good team.
I have found the team at Osbornes works very well together to diligently produce a quality end result. Client service has been excellent and I feel like I am in safe hands.
Osbornes is a power house of a family firm. They are robust but realistic and client focused.
Osbornes has lawyers with excellent experience.
Osbornes is a hugely impressive firm that offers strength and depth to its clients.
Lisa's substantial insight into financial disputes involving high-net-worth individuals is where her skills lie.
Yael Selig is bilingual in Spanish and English. She is the go-to person for divorce cases involving Gibraltar particularly, or Spain.
Lisa pepper heads the Mediation team and she is often mediating for high-net-worth individuals in both financial and private children matters.
The family law team at Osbornes is one of the strongest in London.
Osbornes‘ family team is headed up by Mark Freedman, a mediator and fighter who will get the job done on both complex financial matters and international children cases.
A market leader across public law, international cases, financial and children work.
"Osbornes Law have a very broad family practice which does all areas of family law at a high level. They have an excellent practice; they are top quality across the board."
Lisa Pepper is particularly recognised for her role as a mediator in complex cross-border disputes. Her practice also includes handling prenuptial agreements and issues arising from divorces. She is additionally skilled in Schedule 1 and other child arrangement matters.
Mark Freedman frequently takes on high-value financial and children proceedings that involve complex tax, trust and accounting issues.
"Andrew Watson is respected and tenacious in matrimonial finance. You would want him on your team."
"David Leadercrammer is such an experienced wonderful lawyer who you would want on the other side of your case. He’s sensible, pragmatic and hugely experienced in money and children cases."
Osbornes have been a sound firm forever. They have phenomenal work and an excellent skill set.
Osbornes have high-end partners doing high-end work. They are very impressive.
They have an excellent practice; they are top quality across the board.
Osbornes have a very broad family practice which does all areas of family law at a high level.
He is very hard-working, diligent and thoughtful in his approach. He is on top of the detail and makes strategic decisions.
He commits himself to getting the best results.
He’s a really tough litigator that you certainly want on your side. He will defend his clients to the hilt.
Mark is an immensely capable lawyer, with vast experience and a well-deserved reputation for getting the very best for his clients.
Lisa Pepper is extremely hard-working and adored by her clients. She is a very empathetic and approachable lawyer.
She’s an extremely supportive and kind lawyer and has an increasing mediation profile too
Andrew secured me the best financial settlement for my claim. He is a credit to Osbornes Solicitors.
"Lisa Pepper was recommended to me as non-nonsense and able to help me with a difficult and confrontational divorce. She more than lived up to that – she was practical, collected and always available with a clear opinion and suggestions of how to move forwards. She also was open and helpful about costs and how to mitigate them"
"It has a strong and experienced team of solicitors who don’t take bad points, work sensibly to get a settlement and who you can always pick up the phone and speak to. They are good lawyers and know the strengths and weaknesses of their clients’ cases. They don’t posture and always pursue their clients cases appropriately. "
"Mark Freedman is a very capable lawyer, renowned for not being a pushover and pushing his clients’ cases as much as he can, but will always talk sensibly about settlement. He is among the best – tenacious, good judgment and tactically aware."
"Mark Freedman is a dynamic and highly experienced family lawyer who fights extremely hard for his clients and is always in their corner, thus ensuring their loyalty and confidence. In a trial you would always want him on your side."
"Bridget Thompson combines her excellent legal knowledge with a clear, succinct and robust style of advice and advocacy. Her approach clearly inspires a high degree of client confidence in her"
"She has impressed me as someone who fights my corner but also understands the importance of resolving issues without unnecessary escalation. She is calm and reassuring."
"Her mediation practice is exceptional; she is also a great solicitor and has a breadth of skill which is really useful."
"He is really experienced and wise. He has a lovely manner about him and clients feel safe with him."
"Jo Wescott is top notch and widely recognised as a rising star throughout the profession. She brings a winning combination of great judgement, an immense work ethic, and a relaxed and charming way with opponents and clients alike. Someone you want on your side”
"Osbornes is pre-eminent for family law in North London. Mark Freedman is a real rainmaker. He is an excellent lawyer and has a top-notch practice"
Mark Freedman is intelligent and personable and has a good selection of high-net work cases.
"Exceptional value for money. Highly competent and reasonably priced. Mark Freedman: one of the best in the field."
"Client-focused. Ready to fight the clients’ corner, but also ready where possible to steer client from unnecessary dispute. Mark Freedman – very experienced, with good instinct for the eventual result. Clients love him and he thinks ahead and directs the client to the best result for the client."
Mark Freedman is a serious player. A fearless family law litigator, who protects his clients’ interests passionately.
Breadth of knowledge and willingness to go the extra mile is what makes it stand out. Mark Freedman – devoted to his clients
Mark Freedman frequently takes on high-value financial and children proceedings that involve complex tax, trust and accounting issues. Sources praise the "tenacity and common sense" he brings to challenging disputes.
"Mark is very experienced, competent, good with clients and takes a sensible approach to cases. He knows exactly what he's doing."
"An exceptional outfit. They take on difficult cases, fight hard and win."
"They are an outstanding firm to work with. They are consistently impressive in their work."
"The team frequently deals with cross-border estates for high–net-worth individuals."
"Mark Freedman is a real heavyweight litigator who has dealt with some very significant cases."
"Mark Freedman boxes clever, keeps his powder dry and when it comes to the end game he negotiates a really good deal."
"Mark Freedman has a specific focus on high-net-worth divorces and finance cases where there are overseas assets and trusts."
"Lisa Pepper somehow manages to get parties to settle on matters where there isn’t much hope to start out with."
"Well-regarded family practice assisting clients with substantial matrimonial disputes and sensitive children proceedings."
"Mark Freedman draws acclaim for his work in high net worth divorce cases, including those involving company structures, family trusts and overseas assets."
"He never gives up. He fights for you to the end and has boundless energy."
Bridget Thompson heads the family team, where client care is the top priority.
Mark Freedman advises high-net-worth clients and knows his stuff.
Highly regarded for his experience as a litigation and mediation expertise, Mark Freedman is tenacious and determined. Clients really feel that he is fighting their corner.
Andrew handled a very complex, 3 year legal battle for me, with a tremendous amount of patience and professionalism. He is very approachable, always kept me up to date, by phone and e-mail, and responded very quickly to my queries with excellent advice, sound strategic thinking and strong letters to put the other side under pressure. With top contacts for barristers, joint experts and mediation.
[The Family Law department] handles significant matrimonial finance cases and complex nuptial agreements. Respected for its expertise in cross-border children law matters.
They have a really good, strong team, with the junior elements punching well above their weight. It doesn't matter who you talk to; they are all switched on."
Mark Freedman represents high net worth clients in complex financial disputes. Sources say that "he's a determined negotiator who'll always do the very best for his clients.
"Mark Freedman receives a lot of instructions from clients based abroad, often relating to complex divorce proceedings. Sources say: “His main strengths are his enthusiastic passion for the job in hand and his total dedication to his clients.”
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