One Couple One Lawyer
Jones Nickolds are able to offer our clients an alternative to the traditional model of parties both instructing lawyers individually to navigate their way through their separation. There is now an alternative approach.
Our ‘one couple one lawyer’ model, as founded by Resolution, now enables couples who are on amicable terms, and who want to navigate their separation together in a constructive manner, to do so with the assistance of one of our specially trained solicitors.
The model offers a way for couples to resolve legal issues without the added expense and inevitable stress of instructing two separate law firms. It can be used to address both financial and children matters. Our specially trained solicitors offer joint legal guidance to the couple so that both parties can hear first-hand the advice they each receive, helping them to reach mutually acceptable compromises that resolve the outstanding issues fairly and constructively.
The model is only appropriate for couples who retain high levels of trust in each other and are still on good terms. Where that applies, the ‘one couple one lawyer’ model can offer a less combative process which aims to retain a positive relationship for the couple moving forward.
The process is straightforward. Following an initial assessment via individual meetings to determine the suitability of the model, the parties will embark on a series of joint meetings with the lawyer who will help them explore their options together and give legal advice on how they might navigate the various issues that have arisen. Once an agreement has been reached, the solicitor can then draft the financial order needed to formalise the terms of the agreement reached and ensure it is legally binding on both parties.
Assuming both parties engage fully in the process and provide information in a timely manner, the ‘one couple one lawyer’ model would hope to resolve matters within approximately 3 to 4 months.
Please contact Rachel Woodd, Ben Holmes or Mai-Ling Ho all of whom are Resolution-trained to provide the model.
The model is ideal for couples who can communicate effectively and would like to avoid an adversarial process.
