Collaborative Law Alliance Of Bermuda
The Collaborative Law Alliance of Bermuda [CLA] was established with the aim of reducing conflict among divorcing couples and separating families.
A spokesperson said, “The premise is that the parties will work together with a shared commitment to reach a settlement outside of court, whether it be in relation to finances, arrangements for children or any other issue that arises as a result of relationship breakdown.
“The CLA has long advocated that families should consider court proceedings only as a last resort and now this philosophy has received powerful validation from a particularly authoritative voice: Assistant Justice Alexandra Wheatley of Bermuda’s Family Division, who witnesses daily the consequences of family breakdown from the bench.”
Justice Wheatley’s unique perspective – as both a trained collaborative law practitioner before her judicial appointment and now a sitting judge – offers compelling support for CLA’s mission. “Family law, at its heart, is an area of profound human consequence,” she explains. “The decisions rendered in matters of divorce, child custody, and maintenance echo far beyond the courtroom, shaping the lives and futures of families.”
A spokesperson added, “Her observations from the bench reinforce what CLA members see in practice: the adversarial system positions former partners against one another, often escalating conflict rather than resolving it. Court proceedings involve lengthy processes and substantial costs that drain resources families need for rebuilding their lives.”
“Decisions are ultimately rendered by a judge – however wise and well-intentioned – rather than crafted and consented to by the parties themselves,” Justice Wheatley notes. “The result, though legally sound, may not reflect the nuanced priorities or interests of those most affected.”
A spokesperson added, “This judicial perspective validates CLA’s collaborative approach, where specially trained lawyers and support professionals help families craft their own solutions. Justice Wheatley recognizes the distinct advantages that CLA members regularly deliver: preservation of relationships crucial for ongoing co-parenting, tailored solutions addressing unique family circumstances, and greater confidentiality and efficiency than traditional litigation.”
“All too often parties who appear before me are already divided and damaged by relationship breakdown,” she observes. “The chances that parties become embroiled in high-conflict litigation is significantly exacerbated when court is seen as the only option.”
CLA Chairwoman Katie Richards emphasizes how this judicial endorsement reinforces their mission: “When a sitting judge advocates for keeping families out of court, it validates what we’ve always known – collaborative law offers families a better path through difficult transitions while preserving relationships and protecting children’s wellbeing.”
A spokesperson added, “Justice Wheatley’s call for making “the courtroom the last resort” aligns perfectly with CLA’s vision of helping Bermuda families resolve disputes respectfully and effectively outside the adversarial court system.”
