Introducing Single Solicitor Divorce

Single Solicitor Divorce allows lawyers to work with and advise couples jointly. This way of helping clients arises because of the changes to divorce which were made in April 2022 allowing couples for the very first time to make a joint application to divorce. 

This means that, in suitable cases, you can now instruct a single family lawyer or divorce solicitor to provide advice to you and your spouse/ex partner if you want to manage your divorce together. You can do this so that you can reach a joint outcome that meets your needs financially and those of your children. Single Solicitor Divorce is suitable for arriving at a binding final settlement about financial matters as well as agreements about child arrangements.

This new approach has been supported by Resolution as well as the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to make sure that all is done within current regulations and with the safeguards that divorcing couples should expect when using a qualified family law firm.

Resolution Together - Single Solicitor Divorce. One of the Non Court Dispute Resolution - NCDR - options from Family First Solicitors - Oxford London

When might a single solicitor divorce be suitable for you?

  1. You are essentially in agreement about how you want to work out your parenting arrangements and financial situation. You are looking to do this in an amicable and dignified way.
  2. Although you recognise that there are difference between what each of you want, with the assistance of a professional you feel that you will be able to get to an outcome that works for everybody.
  3. You both want legal advice and feel that independent legal advice will help you avoid the conflict and unnecessary expense that court proceedings bring.
  4. Each person having a lawyer is more likely to widen the gaps between you and harden positions.

We need to be clear with you – working with a single lawyer will not:

  1. Help you get your own way
  2. Help you keep bullying your former partner
  3. Help you hide information from the less well informed partner.

Instructing Family First for a Single Solicitor Divorce

Our ethical principles and standards mean that only appropriate couples will be considered. There will be screening prior to any instruction is taken to make sure that your family will benefit from this method of conflict and dispute resolution.

We ask all the clients that want to work with us in this way to:

  1. Consider with your spouse whether this might work for you, if they agree, then call us for an appointment.
  2. Both make a first appointment for £120 each (can be on the same day)
  3. Attend all subsequent meetings jointly.

Sounds good, what next?

If you would like to work with us in this way, we suggest you show this page to your spouse first. There’s not much point enquiring if they are not interested! Then call us on 0333 444 0003 to arrange the next steps

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What other forms of Non Court Dispute Resolution are available?

At Family First we offer several Non Court Dispute Resolution options. Some are suitable for before court, some both before and during court proceedings. We can help you with:

Resolution Together - Single Solicitor Divorce. One of the Non Court Dispute Resolution - NCDR - options from Family First Solicitors - Oxford London

Single Solicitor Service

Two parties: one lawyer. This is a relatively amicable solution, but you need some legal assistance before arriving at a final settlement. Takes place before any court proceedings are started.

Mediation Oxford - Family First Solicitors - Picking Sides

Mediation

Mediation involves a trained facilitator to help you negotiate from scratch, or to negotiate at any point during the court process. Mediation can take place before or during court proceedings.

Early Neutral Evaluation - One of the Non Court Dispute Resolution - NCDR - options from Family First Solicitors - Oxford London

Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE)

An independent written opinion of the strengths and weaknesses of each party’s case by a specialist senior Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive. Takes place before any court proceedings are started.

Private Financial Dispute Resolution - One of the Non Court Dispute Resolution options from Family First Solicitors - Oxford London

Private Financial Dispute Resolution Hearing (pFDR)

Takes place after a court has agreed that you can try  to resolve your dispute in this way. You usually have a court order that permits you to exit the court process for a short while.

Children and NCDR

NCDR does apply to child matters as well, although where there are safeguarding concerns it is unlikely to be an appropriate process.

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Client Stories: Family Lawyers & Divorce Lawyers Oxford and London

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Call us now

Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm

Out of hours?

Fill in the form and we'll call you.

Ready to Book?

Book your initial meeting for £180