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Constructive Negotiation

Negotiation enables separating and divorcing couples to retain lawyers to reach agreements for them through correspondence or at round the table meetings.

Negotiation not Litigation

As from the commencement of a case Richard Sharp looks for opportunities to resolve conflict, he prepares to negotiate and not to litigate. With 25 years as a specialist family lawyer behind him, Richard Sharp can draw on and use an array of skills to help separating and divorcing clients to focus on and negotiate a settlement that works for them

Direct Negotiations

Sometimes referred to as "Kitchen table negotiations", is where separating or divorcing couples discuss issues - with or without guidance from lawyers - and come to their own agreement.

These negotiations require an ability to communicate, a low level of conflict, and a high level of trust. They work best where the issues are limited and the emotions low. Advice first from a Family Lawyer should be considered. Similarly separate and independent advice on respective rights and obligations should be taken by a separating and divorcing couple before signing any agreement reached.

Negotiations through Lawyers

In a Negotiation process involving lawyers, each party with the help of their chosen lawyer, prepares an informed resolution that he or she believes is fair and shares that with the other party. Thereafter, the parties through lawyer's letters or "round the table meetings" negotiate those positions and proposals, adjusting them until an acceptable middle ground is reached.

Styles of Negotiation

There are different negotiation styles.

• Rights-based or distribution-based negotiation, tries to secure as big a share of the pie as the party is entitled to.
• Interest-based negotiation, divides the pie in line with the needs and interests of both parties. An example would be a father wanting more time with his children, and a mother concerned that if given, she may lose child support. A resolution may see the father agreeing to pay the full amount of guideline child support so both have their interests met.

  Interest-based negotiation requires separating and divorcing couples to say not only what they want but also why they want it.

Please contact Richard Sharp to learn more about Negotiating an agreement and to schedule a time to talk about it.