One couple, one lawyer

Historically, couples wishing to divorce have either had to risk taking a ‘do it yourself’ approach with no legal advice, or each appoint their own lawyer to deal with the financial implications of the divorce. There is another way. Couples can now appoint one lawyer between them to handle all aspects of their divorce, including child and financial arrangements. This can help keep the process as amicable as possible, as well as make it faster and more cost effective.

As trained mediators, our expert family lawyers Kirstie Law and Desmond O’Donnell are perfectly placed to help couples using the ‘one couple, one lawyer’ approach. They also have close relationships with experienced family barristers and other experts (including pensions experts, accountants and valuers) and can call on their expertise as part of the process, where appropriate.

How do I know if ‘one couple one lawyer’ is right for me?

When it comes to family law, there is a range of ways to resolve a case, including mediation, collaboration and arbitration, and it is for each individual to decide which method is best for them. Within an initial meeting with one of our expert family lawyers, you can explore the various options and discuss which process you feel works best for you.

How does the process work?

The process is relatively straightforward. This process enables the lawyer to openly give advice to a couple and, if an agreement is reached, to prepare a consent order to make an agreement legally binding.

Both parties have the opportunity to take independent legal advice if they wish, as part of the process. We may also recommend involving a barrister to give an early neutral evaluation or assist with proposed settlement terms, if appropriate.

Can we change to this process if we already have lawyers?

Provided we have not acted for either of you in connection with the divorce, or for you both as a mediator, then you can change to the one couple, one lawyer process.

Equally, if you start the process and it no longer feels the right way forward for one or both of you, we will talk to you about alternatives including mediation, collaborative law and arbitration.

How long will the process take and what does it cost?

This depends on how complicated your finances are and your availability and commitment to meet and progress matters. As a general guide, we would expect matters to be concluded within approximately three to four months where a couple are co-operative.

It is likely to cost approximately £2,000 – £4,000 plus VAT each but we will be able to give you more of an idea of the specific costs in your particular case at the first joint meeting. The cost of the initial joint meeting and both individual sessions will be in the region of £500 plus VAT each. There may be additional costs within the process if other professionals are involved including barristers, accountants, pensions advisors and counsellors.

Family-related legal issues can often be emotionally challenging and complex. Our team are experts in dealing with these matters and are here to guide and support you every step of the way. Our family and divorce lawyers help client across Kent, London and the South East. We advise on a full range of family legal services, from divorce/dissolution and related financial settlements to the arrangements for children and associated children matters. We also advise unmarried couples on the breakdown of their relationships.

We have particularly extensive experience in supporting high net worth individuals, dealing with matters involving complex asset structures and international elements. We help clients put in place nuptial or living together agreements, and advise on steps that need to be taken to protect our clients in need of or responding to injunctions.

Our team of family lawyers are legal professionals who are renowned for offering practical, clear and common sense advice and for providing compassion, empathy and a steadying hand in even the most unusual and complex of circumstances.

Our expert family and divorce lawyers in Kent are leaders in their field and our Family department is regularly recognised in rankings such as The Times’ ‘Top Law Firms’, Spear’s 500 Family Law Index and ePrivate Client’s Top Family Law Firms. We are also ranked as Band One in the Chambers legal directory and as Top Tier in the Legal 500.