After eight years and numerous public allegations, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie brought their multimillion-dollar divorce case to a close.
The former Hollywood A-list couple, known collectively as ‘Brangelina’ after marrying in 2014, announced their separation two years later with a long-running well-publicised legal battle over their settlement agreement.
Whilst, perhaps, a much more publicised example than the average divorce, this case highlights the unpleasant situation that separating couples can find themselves in if they choose to go through the courts with arguments over shared assets, including a lavish French chateau.
For those looking to find a more amicable way to separate, there are a range of less-adversarial processes available out of court that can help reduce the cost, time and stress:
Mediation/Hybrid Mediation
This process involves the parties meeting with a mediator who is trained to be neutral during discussions in order to help facilitate discussions and guide you both towards a solution. Generally only you and your ex-partner attend, however the mediation process can be tailored to your needs i.e. you can instruct a solicitor to provide you with advice during the process. Once an agreement is reached, the mediator will direct the parties to another solicitor to draw up the agreement. Find out more here.
One Couple One Lawyer
Similar to mediation, the OCOL approach sees one lawyer meet with a separating couple together, with the difference that they are also able to give you both legal advice and draw up an agreement. A really effective route to lower costs and keep things amicable, OCOL is a suitable route to separation for couples who are willing to compromise to reach an agreement that is, holistically, for the benefit of the family as a whole. Find out more here.
Early neutral evaluation
A neutral third party, usually a senior family solicitor or barrister, provides an objective assessment of the likely outcome of your dispute which can either be delivered in person or in writing. This is often used to provide a clearer view on all or just certain issues but is just an indication rather than imposing an answer.
Collaborative/Round Table Meetings and Negotiation
Both parties instruct a collaboratively trained solicitor to act in a series of round table meetings. This provides the benefit of separate legal advice but ensures both sides are signed up to the process under the agreement that neither will look to apply to the courts throughout the course of the process. Even if you do not sign up to a collaborative process, we can assist with round table meetings and negotiated settlements. Find out more here.
Arbitration/Private Hearings
An arbitrator (similar to a Judge) is appointed by the parties to hear their case and make a final decision. A more timely and cost-effective route compared to court, this still enables both sides to have legal representation and can deal with all issues or just certain areas of disagreement. Alternatively, usually in the case where parties are already in court proceedings, we can pause the proceedings to take part in a private negotiated hearing with a mutually agreed “Judge” who will give your case much more time and attention before providing an indication of settlement options.
Thrings Family lawyers are experienced in all areas of the law that are close to home. Whether it is marriages and pre-nuptial agreements, or divorces and separations, they will put your best interests first, taking the time to get to know you so that you are supported with sound advice tailored to your needs. To find out more, get in contact.
