Divorce and separation do not always have to involve conflict, separate solicitors and lengthy negotiations. Many couples want to separate amicably, protect their children from unnecessary stress and reach fair agreements without damaging relationships further.
At Just Family Law, our One Couple One Lawyer process (also known as Resolution Together) allows separating couples to receive legal advice and support from one jointly appointed family lawyer.
This approach is designed for couples who wish to move forward respectfully, minimise conflict and make informed decisions with confidence.
Book a ConsultationOne Couple One Lawyer is the name we give to a process known nationally as Resolution Together.
Rather than each person instructing their own solicitor, both individuals work with one jointly appointed family lawyer throughout the process. You receive the same legal advice, discuss options together and are supported in reaching informed decisions about your finances, your children and your future arrangements.
Unlike mediation, your lawyer is able to provide legal advice throughout the process.
Unlike the traditional approach of two solicitors negotiating on behalf of each party, Resolution Together focuses on helping couples work collaboratively towards a fair and workable outcome.
For many families, it provides a more constructive, cost-effective and less adversarial way to navigate separation.
Resolution Together was developed by Resolution, the organisation representing family professionals committed to reducing conflict and helping families find constructive solutions following separation.
This process may be suitable if you:
The process is not suitable for every couple and we will always assess this carefully at the outset.
| One Couple One Lawyer | Mediation | Separate Solicitors | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal advice during meetings | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| One professional guiding discussions | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Focus on reaching agreement | ✓ | ✓ | Variable |
| Court usually avoided | Often | Often | Sometimes |
| Shared legal process | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Potentially lower legal costs | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
Every family is different and we can help you decide which process is most appropriate for your circumstances.
1. Individual Meetings - We meet with each of you separately to ensure the process is suitable and to answer any initial questions.
2. Joint Appointment - We bring you together to discuss priorities, concerns and the decisions that need to be made.
3. Financial Disclosure - We help you gather and exchange the information needed to understand your financial position.
4. Joint Legal Advice - We advise you both on the legal framework and help you explore options and possible solutions.
5. Reaching Agreement - We support discussions and help you work towards practical, informed decisions.
6. Formalising the Outcome - We prepare the necessary legal documents, including Financial Consent Orders where appropriate, so that agreements are properly recorded and legally effective.
Once you have reached agreement, we prepare the appropriate legal documents to record and formalise the decisions you have made together. For many couples this will involve a Financial Consent Order, which is submitted to the court for approval and, once approved, becomes legally binding.
This provides certainty and helps both parties move forward knowing that their financial arrangements have been properly documented. Most Consent Orders are approved without either person attending court.
Not every couple reaches a final agreement through this process. If discussions break down or further support is needed, we will help you understand the alternatives available, including:
Because we act jointly for both of you, we cannot continue to advise either individual if the process comes to an end. However, any progress made often helps narrow the issues and reduce future costs.
"Most people do not want a legal battle. They want clarity, fairness and a practical way forward. When the right support is available, many couples are capable of reaching sensible agreements together. This process helps people focus on solutions rather than positions and can be an incredibly positive way of helping families move forward."
— Jo Houston
"Many clients tell us they want guidance, but they do not want a fight. The One Couple One Lawyer process allows couples to receive legal advice whilst continuing to make decisions together. It creates space for constructive conversations and helps families reach agreements that work both now and in the future."
— Emma Sanders
Yes. One Couple One Lawyer allows suitable couples to receive legal advice from one jointly instructed lawyer.
A mediator facilitates discussions but cannot provide legal advice. Under One Couple One Lawyer, your lawyer can advise both of you throughout the process.
Yes. We regularly work alongside pension experts, financial advisers, mortgage advisers, divorce coaches, family consultants, accountants and tax specialists where additional expertise would be helpful.
No. The process can also be used by civil partners and unmarried couples who are separating.
No. You do not need to agree on everything. What matters is a willingness to engage respectfully and work towards a solution.
This is common. We help ensure both people have access to the information needed to make informed decisions.
Either person can decide to pursue a different process at any stage. We will explain the available options and next steps.
For many couples, yes. One jointly instructed lawyer is often more cost-effective than two separate legal teams.
Most couples do not want a legal battle. They want clarity, fairness and a way to move forward. For suitable couples, One Couple One Lawyer offers a practical and constructive alternative to the traditional approach.
By working together with one specialist family lawyer, you can resolve matters respectfully, protect your family's future and achieve legally secure outcomes without unnecessary conflict.
Ready to Explore Whether One Couple One Lawyer Is Right For You?
Contact our team for an initial call free of charge to find out if One Couple One Lawyer will work for you
Book HereWe can meet you remotely via Teams, or at one of our meeting rooms:
Ash-Unit 2
Gander Down Barns
Rodfield Lane
Ovington
Alresford
Hampshire
England, SO24 0HS