One Lawyer Two Clients

One Lawyer Two Clients is a way of working that allows couples to instruct one lawyer to advise them both about financial and children arrangements.

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One Lawyer Two Clients Divorce Services

One Lawyer Two Clients is a single lawyer model in which legal advice is provided where there is no conflict between a separating or divorcing couple. This is an out of court solution which is only possible when the couple are not in conflict or at risk of conflict, with a couple committing to full openness, transparency and disclosure in their communications.

One lawyer two clients is a model that aims to provide a more efficient and cost-effective solution to the issues facing couples when they split up. Negotiations that take place conflict free are more amicable and enable an outcome to be reached in a more dignified and amicable way than the traditional Court process.

Resolution Together was launched in 2022 by Resolution, the organisation for family justice professionals with a view to reducing any unnecessary conflict during divorce and is suitable for couples who want to work with one lawyer only.

Resolution Together is a model that takes place within SRA regulation and is grounded with a clear set of standards for the scheme to work, to ensure that our clients are protected in law and by good practice.

Graeme Fraser, Head of BBS Family and Partner, is one of the first solicitors in England and Wales to have trained in Resolution Together and is happy to take instructions from couples are willing to engage in this model, which means a focus to full openness, transparency and disclosure in their communications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can one solicitor act for both parties in divorce?

Following the introduction of no fault divorce in April 2022 which removed blame from the process, it is now possible for couples to apply jointly for a divorce. This means that it is no longer necessary for each client to be represented separately so long as the issues arising out of the separation and divorce do not indicate that there is a conflict of interest or potential risk of conflict of interest. If there is a power imbalance between the couple, this would indicate a potential risk of conflict. A solicitor trained in the Resolution Together model will screen whether it is suitable to act for both parties in a divorce.

What is resolution together?

Resolution Together is a single lawyer model introduced by Resolution in 2022 in response to the introduction of no fault divorce in April 2022. Resolution Together is a regulated way of working within the SRA regulations for Solicitors, which is grounded in a set of principles and good practice that protects clients that wish to use this service. The service is available for clients who wish to solve problems outside of court and are able to do so amicable and free of conflict. It requires a commitment on their part to be completely open, transparent and provide full disclosure in all communications. The scheme is a more cost efficient and effective path to reaching an out of court solution as only one lawyer is used, although where it is necessary, referrals and interactions may be necessary with other family justice professionals such as mediators, arbitrators, and therapists. A bespoke solution is reached for our clients on a case by case basis.

Can we use One Lawyer Two Clients if we don’t agree on everything?

Yes, to the extent that the legal professional can provide information and advice that helps the couple to achieve what they want or need. But if a conflict arises, perhaps due to the strongly held beliefs of one or both of the couple, then this would need to be explored to see whether it can be appropriately resolved.

Can we use One Lawyer Two Clients to sort out both our finances and children arrangements?

Yes, this way of working is suitable for couples who wish to reach an outcome which meets their needs and the needs of their children, but the legal professional instructed may only work with them jointly and where matters have been agreed. It is unlikely to be suitable for matters involving complex aspects of the law.

Which of us pays for One Lawyer Two Clients?

We normally invoice our clients on the basis that they each pay half of the legal professional’s fees. However, the couple are free to choose between them who will pay.

How long will it take to sort things out using One Lawyer Two Clients?

This depends on what support is required and for how long. Arranging finances and children is likely to take a number of joint sessions as well as preparation of paperwork, followed in many instances by lodging Orders for approval by the Court.

Do we need to have started the divorce process before we try One Lawyer Two Clients?

No, you can start working with the legal professional at any time, although the divorce process is designed so that after it has started, there is a period of 6 months to enable finances and children arrangements to be agreed. There is therefore no advantage in delaying the start of the divorce process.

Do we have to be in the same room for the meetings?

If the meeting is in person, then it will be easier from a practical point of view for everyone to be in the same room. If there is concern about being in the same room as a result of safeguarding concerns, or due to a significant power imbalance that cannot be managed appropriately, then it is likely that this would not be the right way of working for you.

Can we have meetings remotely?

Yes, the meetings can be arranged remotely via video conferencing with the legal professionals and couple in separate locations if the couple are happy to do so.

If we reach an agreement via One Lawyer Two Clients, how can we make that binding?

The single solicitor/lawyer instructed can draft a binding outcome either by way of an agreement or contract, or order which can be lodged with the Family Court for approval, providing the couple are in complete agreement.

What is the difference between One Lawyer Two Clients and other processes like mediation?

One lawyer two clients is an advice based service where both clients are able to receive legal advice on a joint beneficial basis, who are not in a dispute or conflict.

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