An approach to divorce that avoids acrimonious allegations and accusations of blame will be launched by judges and lawyers today.

More than 1,000 family lawyers have trained in so-called "collaborative law", which aims to preserve dignity in divorce and to avoid the kind of battle already seen in the break-up of the McCartneys.

One recent confidential divorce involving the division of around £35 million in assets was achieved through the collaborative method - thought to be the highest value divorce settlement under the new approach so far.

James Stewart, a partner with the London law firm Manches and one of the pioneers of "collaborative law" said: "Unlike Britney Spears, British residents can’t simply cite irreconcilable differences to obtain a divorce as we do not have a ‘no fault’ divorce system."

"There is one ground for divorce, the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage...and to obtain a divorce without waiting for two years or more, the law demands that the petitioner must make allegations of adultery by their spouse, or criticisms of his or her behaviour."

In 2004, 75 per cent of divorces were granted on the basis of adultery or unreasonable behaviour.

"But many clients are surprised and dismayed by the need to make allegations when, in their view, they and their spouse have simply drifted apart and the split is amicable," Mr Stewart said.

The new collaborative approach, which offers greater speed and flexibility and is likely to be cheaper than traditional divorce proceedings, was designed in part to address this issue.

"People can go at their own pace and for some the issues can be resolved quite quickly through a series of face-to-face meetings. The sense of control clients gain aids negotiation and the reduced confrontation helps preserve family relationships in the longer term," Mr Stewart said.

*Ministers are to press ahead with the first reforms to open up the family courts pending full-scale change through legislation. They have been consulting on how to protect the anonymity of children and keep out nosy neighbours.

Explore Law

• Columnists

• Law Panel

• Law Reports

• Student Law

Times Recommends

• Linklaters trounces rivals as UK's biggest firm
• Clifford Chance profits plunge 37 per cent
• Casual drinkers hit by spread of 'dry' zones