Resolution Together

How does the approach to resolution together help?

With our one-lawyer approach, you can choose to separate amicably and cooperatively with dignity and respect. Just because you have decided to go your separate ways doesn’t mean there needs to be conflict, and for those couples choosing to maintain a positive relationship after separation, this approach may be for you.

This unified approach is highly effective in achieving amicable and efficient outcomes:

• Comprehensive Legal Support: Our experienced family and divorce solicitors offer clear legal advice to both parties on how the law applies to your specific situation and guide you in reaching a fair agreement that works for everyone.
• Access to Specialists: If needed, we can recommend external professionals, such as mediators, financial settlement experts, pension experts, or tax advisors, to assist in specific, complex areas of your settlement.
• Efficient Resolution: This approach actively minimises conflict and fosters constructive dialogue, helping families move forward amicably and often faster than traditional, contested proceedings.

Who might be suitable for the one lawyer approach?

• Couples who are willing to work together amicably.
• Those committed to finding their own mutually workable solutions and outcomes together in a cooperative manner.
• Those emotionally ready to separate and work together to find a final outcome for their separate lives.
• Those willing to work openly and honestly in sharing financial and factual information to enable a clear exploration of the options, ensuring you can both make informed choices
• Where both are seeking a fair and balanced outcome and are willing to receive joint best interest advice from one lawyer. 

When might the one lawyer approach be unsuitable?

• Where there have been or potential concerns about past or ongoing abuse within the relationship
• If there are any concerns about the safety of a child or vulnerable adult
• If either person feels vulnerable.
• If anyone feels unable to make decisions freely.
• If there remains a high level of emotion or a significant risk of conflict or dispute. 
• If there is a significant imbalance of power.
• If there has been any concern or perceived concern that either person has been involved in or is planning any illegal or unlawful activity.
• Where there is an extensive, complex or technical legal issue that would make it difficult to continue without specialist individual interest advice. 
• There is a reluctance by anyone to provide the required factual or financial disclosure.
• If there is a need to protect any individual or a child.

Resolution together process

The ‘one couple, one lawyer’ divorce service is structured to ensure that the process is safe, fair, and suitable for both parties from the very first step.

Step 1: First Contact & Suitability Check

The first step is contacting our Resolution Together specialist. Our solicitor will discuss your unique circumstances to confirm if this service is the right fit. If Resolution Together is unsuitable, for instance, in cases involving domestic abuse or significant power imbalances, we will advise you on alternative separation options, such as domestic violence solicitors or other divorce solicitors. 

Step 2: Initial Joint Meetings

Our Resolution Together solicitor will arrange an initial meeting where both of you are confirmed to commit to a conflict-free process and that you are not under any duress. Crucially, during this session, our solicitor will hold individual, private discussions with each of you to:

• Explore your individual circumstances and any potential conflicts.
• Assess the safety and appropriateness of working jointly.
• Discuss your aims and ensure you understand the general legal principles of your situation.

This individual discussion is critical for ensuring the process is safe and suitable for both parties. If all checks are positive, the entire divorce process will be outlined and agreed on a realistic timeline and the steps for financial information disclosure.

Step 3: Subsequent Joint Discussions and Negotiation

Before your second joint meeting, you will both provide your financial documentation to our lawyer for detailed review. We will then create a comprehensive schedule of assets. At the meeting, you will both sign a formal Agreement committing to the Resolution Together process. Our solicitor will:

• Ensure you both fully understand all the financial information provided to obtain a financial order.
• Advise you on the range of settlement outcomes, including child arrangements or dog custody that a court would consider suitable.
• Facilitate joint negotiation, ensuring both your views and concerns are heard.

If an overall agreement is reached, the final order will be drafted. If necessary, we will work with you to jointly instruct impartial experts (like property valuers) to assist with complex matters.

Step 4: Reaching an Outcome

Once an agreement is reached in principle, a draft standard court order will be drawn up that accurately reflects your mutual decisions. We will ensure the agreement has been properly tested against legal principles. Finally, our lawyer will advise you on how to apply to the court for the draft order, satisfied that it is by consent and without dispute.