AN experienced collaborative family lawyer has joined Worcester practice HallmarkHulme.

Pat Beeching, who has been appointed consultant solicitor at the city’s oldest law firm, will focus on developing alternatives to court-based resolutions to family issues.

“The fact that couples can sort things out quietly with minimum damage - and keep control of their costs - is a story that needs to be heard,” said Mrs Beeching, who is also co-ordinator of the Worcestershire group of collaboratively trained lawyers.

As a career-long litigator and former crown prosecutor, Mrs Beeching is no stranger to the courtroom. She admits that sometimes court proceedings are necessary.

"They should however be a last resort," she says. "The adversarial approach is rarely suited to family issues and can cause untold damage. That is why I am committed to dispute resolution as a collaborative lawyer and all-issues family mediator."

"Collaborative lawyers don't take sides or do anything to inflame the situation. We're trying to spread the message that the days of battling in court are over and that people can emerge from the situation with dignity and with good memories of their marriage preserved."

Financial advisors, divorce coaches and therapists often provide financial and emotional support during the negotiations.

Mrs Beeching added: "It's possible to achieve some wonderful successes if you get the right atmosphere. Children can actually see their parents working together."

A keen Worcestershire County Cricket Club supporter, Mrs Beeching was born in Scotland and grew up in Stourbridge.

After studying medieval languages at Oxford, the career advice she received on graduating was "law, accounts or learn to type". She began her legal career with "an eccentric and inspirational lady solicitor" in Sussex before moving to Worcestershire in 1992.

HallmarkHulme partner and head of the family law department Lesley Bartlett said: "I am very pleased to welcome Pat to the department. Her experience in all areas of family law will provide added strength to our existing thriving practice and we all look forward to working with her."