One Couple One Lawyer

The One Couple One Lawyer approach allows both parties in a divorce to work with a single lawyer, fostering an aligned approach and reducing the potential for conflict. This method is particularly beneficial for couples seeking an amicable divorce who are able to communicate effectively, as it emphasises collaboration, mutual respect and transparency. By using one shared lawyer, couples can streamline the divorce and associated financial process, reduce costs, and achieve a harmonious outcome for themselves and their families.

It is important to highlight that there are other ways to resolve divorces amicably, including using Mediation and the collaborative process, and different methods will suit different couples and situations. For example, in mediation, a neutral third-party mediator facilitates discussions between the couple but does not provide legal advice. In contrast, the One Couple One Lawyer approach involves a single lawyer who provides legal advice to both parties, ensuring they have the necessary information to make informed decisions. The lawyer actively guides both clients through the legal aspects of divorce and the financial process, whereas mediators focus on facilitating communication and negotiation without offering legal advice. This comprehensive legal guidance is crucial for making decisions about complex issues such as asset division and child arrangements.

• Reduced conflict: By having one lawyer advising both parties, misunderstandings and disputes are minimised, leading to a more peaceful resolution.
• Cost-effective: Sharing a single lawyer aims to lower legal fees and avoid the high costs associated with the back-and-forth wranglings of a traditional adversarial approach.
• Faster resolution: The collaborative nature of this approach often results in quicker agreements, reducing delays.
• Harmonious outcomes: This method focuses on the best interests of the entire family, including children, ensuring a more positive future for all involved.

A fully trained Resolution Together lawyer, such as Mei-ling McNab at Brachers, provides legal advice and support to both clients, to ensure that they have all the information and guidance they need to make decisions on their future, together.

At Brachers, for those couples who are keen to explore the One Couple One Lawyer approach, the approach may be as follows:

1. Initial contact: An initial conversation where you each independently discuss your wishes, aims, and the process to determine if this is the right option for you both.
2. Individual one-to-one consultation session: A further meeting will be scheduled to discuss your position and perspective individually with the lawyer. We ensure that you are both ready and able to undertake this process together from an emotional and legal standpoint and to ensure the One Couple One Lawyer approach is suitable for your situation.
3. Joint meetings: We will discuss and agree what is expected of you both with respect to effective communication, honesty, and transparency. A series of meetings will take place together to work through financial disclosure and define your bespoke pathway to resolving issues. We will advise on the options and possible outcomes, and present alternatives if required to facilitate agreements. Once a consensus is achieved, the agreement will be documented for your consideration and approval.
4. Drafting final paperwork: We will draft legally binding agreements such as consent orders, obtain your signatures, and finalise the divorce. Upon an agreement being reached, both parties will have the opportunity to obtain independent legal advice should they wish to do so.