Joanna Lawrence, Senior Associate Solicitor at Girlings Solicitors, has recently completed training in a new initiative, Resolution Together, which involves one solicitor overseeing the divorce and financial resolution of a separating couple.
The service is aimed at providing a more collaborative route to divorce or separation and is also referred to as the ‘One Lawyer, Two Clients’ approach.
This is an alternative to the more traditional route, where a divorcing couple each instructs a separate lawyer to represent their own interests.
With Resolution Together, the emphasis is on transparency and openness of communication, as well as dispute resolution. It is a constructive approach to resolving matters with both parties working together to reach an agreement without resorting to what can become expensive and often time-consuming litigation.
As a trained practitioner of the initiative, Joanna will guide separating couples towards a mutually agreed settlement - and go on to draft any relevant Orders to have their agreement given effect as a Court Order.
This Resolution Together process is only effective when both parties commit to work together, and within that framework Joanna would seek to resolve any matters which the separating couple cannot agree on without judicial intervention.
At Girlings, we can refer you to our in-house financial advisor for specialist guidance, or recommend external expert advice or other processes of alternative dispute resolution to help overcome differences.
Resolution Together compliments the introduction of the ‘No Fault Divorce’ law which came into force in 2022, which removed the need to lay the blame on the other party for the breakdown of the marriage or wait until 2 years had passed in order to commence divorce proceedings.
Not all clients will be eligible for this initiative. It is not open to couples where domestic abuse has been a feature of the relationship, for example. Each client will undertake an individual suitability assessment to confirm whether this initiative is in their best interests as the first step of the process before a joint meeting is conducted with the other party.
At Girlings, our Family Law solicitors are hugely experienced in providing sensitive and supportive advice during what can be a stressful time in our clients’ lives. We understand how to combine an empathetic approach with the utmost professionalism to provide excellent service and obtain the best possible outcome for our clients.
If you feel that the Resolution Together option is right for you, please do contact Joanna for more information.
