Divorce & Separation – the rise in alternatives to court

When getting divorced or separating, it’s easy to get lost in small details which become blown out of proportion, and this can make it more difficult to reach an amicable agreement.

Working with a lawyer who fosters co-operation, and who can help you see the bigger picture, will ultimately mean you are likely to resolve your issues more quickly, in a less protracted manner and without the need for court proceedings.

The increased use of “one couple, one lawyer”

There are many separating couples who are emotionally ready to transition to the next chapter and want to work together to reach a resolution, especially when children are involved. This is why we’ve developed HCR’s One Couple, One Lawyer, a tailored legal service that fosters cooperation, respect and transparency throughout the process. We’re one of very few solicitor firms in this region who can offer this service.

It’s been widely reported that Pep Guardiola and his wife of 30 years have instructed one lawyer to assist them in reaching a financial settlement in their divorce. This highlights the increasing popularity in couples using non-court options, including the “one couple, one lawyer” model, to reach a swift and amicable resolution following separation.

HCR’s model of ‘one couple, one lawyer’ is based on the framework created by Resolution – a community of family law professionals who work with families and individuals to resolve issues constructively.

Our experienced Family Law team can provide you with a single lawyer to manage your separation together and achieve shared objectives without the associated costs, avoiding the distress and upset associated with court proceedings and keeping you in control of the whole process. The team support you to reach a conclusion which meets both your needs, enabling you to emerge from the process with a settlement you can both live with. If you’re parents, we focus on you meeting the needs of your children too.

Protecting both your interests

Our goal is to help you reach a mutually agreeable settlement with your partner which offers peace of mind while protecting both your interests. If your case meets the criteria of our assessment – to ensure no imbalance of power – you’ll receive advice on a joint-beneficial basis to reach an agreement, tailored to one or all aspects of your separation. If additional expert input is required, your lawyer will help you identify who.

Giving informed consent to disclose to each other all appropriate factual and financial information, if relevant, is essential as this will enable you to reach a joint decision. If you have any concerns about the other or aren’t willing to negotiate, this service is not right for you.

If separation is inevitable, having an expert lawyer by your side who can provide guidance, advice – and, most importantly, understanding – is essential for a smooth process. If you’re ready to make the next step an amicable one, please get in touch for more information.