Two years ago, Scott Bailey’s Family Law department introduced an innovative new service: Resolution Together – One Couple, One Lawyer. This unique approach allows approved couples to work with a single lawyer to facilitate children and financial arrangements. The goal is to help both parties reach a mutually satisfactory outcome while ensuring all necessary documents and paperwork is prepared and legally binding.
The benefits of Resolution Together are extensive. It can significantly reduce costs by avoiding expensive court costs, minimises emotional and psychological strain, and prioritises the wellbeing of the entire family rather than focusing on one side “winning.”
Find out more about Resolution Together – One Couple One Lawyer.
To mark the two-year milestone, we spoke with our Family Law Solicitors, Ann Herd and Sarah Unsworth, to hear their reflections on the impact and success of Resolution Together.
It has now been two years since we trained in Resolution Together, a service built around the concept of “one couple, one lawyer.” Reflecting on our journey, we’re incredibly positive about how this approach has transformed the way we help clients navigate separation and divorce. It’s an effective method of non-court dispute resolution that enables us to guide couples collaboratively toward a fair and amicable outcome.
The introduction of this service was pivotal for us as family lawyers. Previously, we could only act for one party in a couple, leaving the other to seek separate representation. Often, this created unnecessary conflict, even in cases where couples were initially aligned in their goals. Resolution Together provides a regulated framework that allows us to help both parties simultaneously, offering clear, neutral advice and ensuring they stay on the same page throughout the process.
For many couples, the traditional adversarial approach felt counterintuitive. Clients would often ask us, “Why can’t one lawyer help both of us?” With Resolution Together, we can now offer exactly that, provided of course that is it the right type of case. This approach isn’t suitable for every couple, and following an initial individual meeting with each, we are trained to decide if Resolution Together will be an appropriate method of resolution. For those who are amicable and share a mutual understanding of fairness, it’s revolutionary approach.
How the process works
Unlike the traditional model of divorce, where each party has their own lawyer, we begin by meeting with each individual separately to ensure there are no safeguarding concerns and to understand the dynamic of their relationship. Once we’ve established that the process is suitable, we meet with the couple together. This allows us to present both sides of the story neutrally and constructively.
From the outset, we focus on creating a safe, supportive environment. Couples benefit from hearing the same advice, presented clearly and without ambiguity. This avoids the “my lawyer versus your lawyer” dynamic that can often escalate conflict. Instead, we’re able to guide them toward an outcome that reflects the legal parameters of fairness while encouraging compromise where needed.
The benefits of Resolution Together
One of the most significant advantages of Resolution Together is the speed of the process. Court proceedings can be lengthy, expensive, and emotionally draining. In stark contrast, Resolution Together allows couples to remain in control of the timeline, progressing at a pace that suits them. And better yet – they’re not tied to court schedules or dealing with the stress of litigation, which often inflames tensions and makes an already stressful situation even more difficult to navigate for everyone involved.
Cost is another critical factor. With one lawyer instead of two, legal fees are halved. This is particularly important as couples look to preserve their financial resources for their future rather than depleting them in disputes. We’ve seen countless cases where using Resolution Together has enabled couples to achieve swift, affordable resolutions without the adversarial back-and-forth that often arises when two separate solicitors are involved.
The impact on couples
The positive impact on our clients has been remarkable. Many come to us expressing relief at finding a service that prioritises neutrality and fairness. One couple, for example, was struggling to agree on spousal maintenance. In a traditional setting, this might have escalated into an emergency court application but instead, we facilitated a calm discussion, helping them understand the calculations and arrive at an agreement that satisfied both parties. The process was quick, constructive, and far less stressful than it could have been.
For couples with children, the benefits are even more profound. Divorce is hard enough without the added strain of conflict, which can damage co-parenting relationships long-term. Co-parenting relationships, we believe, should always be preserved as best they can for the sake of the whole family. Resolution Together helps parents maintain a cooperative dynamic, ensuring that arrangements for their children are handled with minimal disruption. The families we have helped with Resolution Together leave the process not just with their finances and parenting plans in order but also with the tools to communicate effectively moving forward.
Enhanced mediation
We often describe Resolution Together as “enhanced mediation.” While traditional mediation focuses on neutrality without providing legal advice, this service combines mediation techniques with the ability to offer clear, actionable guidance. This ensures that couples not only reach agreements but also have those agreements formalised in legally binding documents. From financial settlements to child arrangements, the entire process is designed to be as seamless and constructive as possible.
The future of Resolution Together
Two years on, we’re very proud of the impact Resolution Together has had on our clients. It has allowed us to offer a bespoke service that addresses the unique needs of each couple, helping them navigate their separation journey with dignity and mutual respect. The feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive, with clients appreciating the clarity, support, and efficiency of the process.
For us as practitioners, this approach has been equally rewarding. It’s enhanced our ability to help clients resolve disputes constructively, reducing conflict and promoting healthier outcomes for families. As we continue to develop this service, we’re excited to see how it will further transform the landscape of family law.
If you’re considering separation and want to explore whether Resolution Together could work for you, we’d be happy to help. Together, we can find a path forward that’s fair, efficient, and tailored to your needs. Find out more about Resolution Together, or get in touch with us today.
