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When everybody wins, everybody wins

Collaborative law practice | Australia

Claudia Maw from the collaborative law practice sitting at desk writing notes

Be honest. When you think of lawyers, what comes to mind?

I can take it.

Combative?
Expensive?
The worst?

The traditional way of doing law comes with costs — both financial and emotional

And after a decade in practice, I’ve had it. I’ve thrown away the traditional ‘lawyer’ handbook. That’s because I care more about relationships than winning at any cost.

As an agribusiness and estates law specialist, I’ve watched lawyers rub their hands together with glee over family succession disputes. And it didn’t sit well.

I thought: There must be a better way.

Collaborative Practice is about working together to settle disputes

Bringing different groups together to come to an agreement can feel impossible, but the Collaborative Practice protocol helps each party feel heard. Here’s how it works;

  • Families (or parties) agree to a series of meetings with fully trained Collaborative Practice professionals
  • Participation Agreement: Parties agree to confidential discussions with the goal of reaching a mutually agreeable solution
  • With full commitment from all parties, you’ll work together — often coming up with creative solutions — to achieve a succession plan or resolution that everyone can live with

In my line of work, Collaborative Practice leads to mutually beneficial outcomes for my clients and their families.

Instead of taking sides and arguing a position, Collaborative Practice focuses on finding a resolution.

Instead of leaving one side feeling hard done-by, Collaborative Practice creates outcomes that serve everyone.

Instead of pushing families apart, Collaborative Practice preserves relationships.

At the end of the day, relationships matter

When it comes to family farms, succession and estate planning, and deceased estates, one-size-fits-all solutions simply don’t exist. But with the common goal of preserving relationships, Collaborative Practice methods can help you find the best possible outcome.
  • Resolve estate disputes without ending up in court
  • Create farm succession plans that work for everyone
  • Resolve conflict in a holistic way
  • Avoid costly mediation or litigation
  • Preserve family relationships

Get expert support to resolve complex disputes in a relationship-centred way

Book a discovery call

The old days are over

Despite a love of classical music and a range of ‘old-timey’ hobbies (any English paper piecing enthusiasts in the house?) I’m a huge fan of technology when it comes to my law practice.

Technology makes access to expert legal advice more accessible, more inclusive, and less costly

And I’m over the moon about it. Dealing with an online law firm has got stacks of benefits.
  • Fast
Without the usual invoice-padding back and forth of a traditional law firm, you’ll come to a positive resolution in less time.
  • Flexible
An easy online system puts you in charge — provide information on your terms and meet with your lawyer on your schedule.
  • Fixed

Clear, value-based and fixed fee packages mean you’ll know my fees up front.

No surprises.

I’m Claudia Maw

Since 2011, I’ve specialised in areas of law that affect rural, regional, and remote communities. I have a unique mix of pragmatism, compassion, broad knowledge, and experience. As the first regional lawyer member of Collaborative Professionals WA in the Wills and Estates space, my practice, Demeter Legal, is an online law practice built on communication and collegiality. Creating a relationship with your family based on trust and empathy is my first priority. And I follow that up with great results. With intricate knowledge of succession planning, deceased estates, commercial and property law, I’m a trusted advisor for businesses and families across Western Australia.
Online law firm Australia owner Claudia Maw sitting at table with books

Expert advice. Pragmatic support. Wherever you are.

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