Divorce is a challenging process for any separating couple, juggling the emotions of ending a relationship with the need to prioritise the wellbeing of any children and the management of shared finances and assets – so how can they find a way to reduce the stress, cost and time taken?
With so many areas of the couple’s shared life needing to be addressed, achieving a quick, mutual resolution that sees you end on amicable terms will be a clear goal. Using the same lawyer can help ensure a collaborative approach that puts the long-term future first.
Over the past year, Thrings’ Family team have worked with a range of separating couples through the firm’s One Couple One Lawyer (OCOL) service to reach amicable conclusions on divorce settlements that have left both sides satisfied and ready to move on with the rest of their lives.
What is One Couple One Lawyer?
This approach to divorce and separation, as the name suggests, involves a single lawyer advising and assisting both sides to encourage collaboration with clear guidance to meet their individual needs at every stage of the process.
Whilst not necessarily suitable for all couples going through a separation, One Couple One Lawyer has proven to be to be a valuable alternative to traditional divorce, offering separating couples a range of benefits that promote a more positive and mindful transition – including more control over the outcome, keeping costs in check, promoting an amicable resolution through an efficient process and removing the need for public court hearings.
More on the benefits of the OCOL process can be found at our Q&A page.
OCOL in practice
The team supported a Herefordshire-based farmer and his wife to divorce in a way that helped protect his business, whilst ensuring both sides were suitably provided for in the agreement.
After deciding they would separate at the start of 2024; the couple had an initial discussion on how the assets would be divided and came to Thrings having been referred to the One Couple One Lawyer service.
The couple each had a one-on-one session with a member of Thrings’ Family team to discuss their personal expectations for the outcome before meeting together through the remainder of the process, ensuring a cooperative and transparent atmosphere that helped reach a decision that satisfied both parties.
“I found the One Couple One Lawyer process a lot easier because you’re just dealing with one person, just one company. I've been divorced once before, many years ago and my ex-wife has been through it a couple of times, so we had a fair bit of knowledge on what to expect and you usually find that once you get two solicitors involved, it's not any easier.” – Thrings One Couple One Lawyer client
“It has helped tremendously having the one lawyer approach…It’s not necessarily for everyone which is a pity, because I think if any of my friends were facing a divorce, I would say “Do this”.” – Client’s ex-wife.
OCOL can also be used by separating couples to sense test settlements. This was the case for a couple who had a settlement drawn up following successful mediation. Thrings were able to help with ensuring it would work in reality and having the paperwork finalised, avoiding excessive and costly solicitor correspondence.
“The process felt more transparent and less stressful than I would imagine it would be having to deal with different solicitors. I would recommend it to anyone.” – Thrings One Couple One Lawyer client
“The process was efficient, transparent, probably cheaper and certainly quicker. The whole thing felt much fairer as there were no competing solicitors.” – Client’s ex-husband
A further successful OCOL case saw the team support a couple, both teachers, to separate whilst navigating complexities around their pensions where Thrings incorporated neutral pension expert advice to help unlock the issue. With children involved, including one with significant special needs, the case was dealt with sensitively so that the family home was retained to ensure continuity for that child.
Kate Barber, Partner in the Thrings Family team and One Couple One Lawyer practitioner, said: “For any separating couples, the key to making their divorce as quick and painless as they can is to be willing to cooperate and consider the bigger picture, the children, the families, the businesses, that are all likely to be impacted – and to put their needs first.
“Since we started the One Couple One Lawyer service, it has been heartening to see many couples sharing the view that an amicable, transparent process is in both of their interests, even as they look to go their separate ways, focusing on the potential for their individual futures, rather than the pain of their shared past.”
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 or visit our One Couple One Lawyer page.