Anchor statement meaning

An anchor statement is an agreed, plain‑English record used in collaborative family law to set out the parties’ shared aims and priorities at the outset and to steer subsequent meetings and negotiations. It is a practice term, not defined by legislation or case law, and is used consistently by collaborative practitioners across England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. Usually prepared at the first joint meeting with the collaborative lawyers, the anchor statement captures the parties’ core interests—for example, safeguarding children’s welfare, achieving a fair financial settlement, maintaining respectful communication, managing costs and timescales—and may include process ground rules. It commonly sits alongside, or is referenced in, the participation agreement and can be reviewed and updated by consent as the case progresses. The anchor statement is not legally binding and is not intended to be relied upon in court. As with other aspects of collaborative law, it is ordinarily confidential and without prejudice. Its practical value is to provide a shared touchstone or roadmap that frames agendas, keeps negotiations interest‑based, and helps test proposals against the parties’ stated goals during separation, divorce, child arrangements and financial remedy discussions.