Family Law

Resolution Together Approach

 

The end of a relationship will be difficult for everyone involved. You will no doubt be feeling upset, confused and apprehensive about what the future holds, with images of disagreements and drawn out negotiations on various matters such as your finances, property and children.

It does not need to be this way with our Family lawyers.

With our approach to divorce through Resolution Together, we can offer a collaborative method that works towards you and your former spouse reaching an agreement and moving forward in your lives without hostility, using one lawyer for you both.

This form of Non-Court Dispute Resolution is seeing growing popularity amongst couples applying for divorce for its clear benefits in assisting with the emotional turmoil involved in a separation, particularly when striving to co-parent children. We explain more about how our Resolution Together lawyers can work with you, leading to an outcome fit for the both of you, and your family.

What is Resolution Together?

Resolution Together is a revolutionary solution inspired by Resolution's pioneering approach. In contrast to traditional divorce which sees each person have their own lawyer, Resolution Together allows divorcing couples to work together with a single qualified lawyer, providing balanced advice to achieve common goals.

This is not Family Mediation; rather, it is a professional legal approach offering practical advice to assist you in reaching an amicable agreement.

How does Resolution Together work?

  1. Individual meetings: We will meet separately with each of you to understand your backgrounds and assess whether Resolution Together is suitable for your situation. The information disclosed in your meeting will be completely confidential.
  2. Fact-finding: We start by gathering essential documents and information from both you and your spouse, ensuring openness and honesty throughout communications.
  3. Joint meeting: One of our trained Family lawyers will hold an initial meeting with you and your spouse together to review the collected information and discuss each of your resources and needs for your future, before outlining how Resolution Together could work for you moving forward. During any future meetings, your joint lawyer would continue to give you both the time and space to discuss your position in full while offering sensible, balanced and reasonable advice.
  4. Resolution or alternatives: If a resolution cannot be achieved through this process, we guide you through other NCDR methods such as Family Mediation, collaborative law or independent legal representation.

Frequently Asked Questions about divorce and Non-Court Dispute Resolution

Why should I use Resolution Together?

  • Amicable and timely resolution: Perhaps the most important reason is that this method promotes co-operation, collaboration and more amicable settlements. This can be especially beneficial when children are involved, helping to foster a more stable post-divorce family environment. Discussions are had more swiftly, removing the need to go between two sets of lawyers, therefore reducing the amount of time involved.
  • Open communication: These agreeable solutions arise from the transparent and honest communication you will have with your spouse and the lawyer during the discussions.  With the streamlined communication between you, your spouse and one lawyer, there is less chance of ambiguity or misinterpretation throughout the proceedings.
  • Control, flexibility and privacy: You retain control over the process and timeline rather than being subject to Court schedules. It is important to note that Family Courts are also open to the public; keeping your private life out of the public eye could be more motivation for you to resolve matters out of Court.
  • Cost-effective: Utilising a single lawyer for both parties can significantly reduce legal costs.

How is Resolution Together different from Family Mediation?

Resolution Together is distinct from Family Mediation in its approach and execution. In Family Mediation, a neutral third party facilitates negotiations between the divorcing parties to help them reach a mutually agreeable solution.

In contrast, Resolution Together involves a single lawyer providing balanced legal advice to both parties simultaneously to help them come to a solution that is reasonable and sensible.

Will both our interests be fairly represented?

The premise of Resolution Together is that one lawyer balances the needs and interests of both parties impartially.  The lawyer’s role is to ensure that both parties understand their rights and options and to facilitate a fair and reasonable agreement. This approach encourages transparency and fosters mutual respect throughout the process.

Is Resolution Together suitable for all types of divorces?

Resolution Together is suitable for many couples, especially those willing to communicate and co-operate to reach an amicable agreement. However, it may not be appropriate in cases involving coercive or controlling behaviour, domestic abuse, or where one party is unwilling to participate openly. In these scenarios, other forms of NCDR or Court intervention may be necessary.

How does Resolution Together benefit children?

Resolution Together encourages a co-operative and respectful approach to divorce, which can significantly lessen the emotional impact on children. By fostering a supportive environment and ensuring that the children’s best interests remain a central focus, this process helps establish a foundation for effective co-parenting post-divorce.

How long does the Resolution Together process typically take?

The duration can vary depending on the complexity of the issues and the willingness of the parties to co-operate. Generally, NCDR methods, including Resolution Together, are quicker than traditional Court proceedings. Our goal is to facilitate a timely, fair resolution that works best for both parties.

Why should I use a Resolution Together trained lawyer for this approach?

Opting for a Resolution Together trained lawyer brings numerous advantages, ensuring that your divorce is handled with expertise, empathy, and efficiency. Our Resolution Together trained lawyers have undergone specific training to handle divorce cases collaboratively and impartially. We are equipped with unique skills and knowledge to guide both parties towards a fair and mutually agreeable resolution, ensuring that the legal process is smooth and less contentious.

Our Resolution Together trained lawyers are well-versed in various NCDR methods, including Family Mediation, collaborative law, and arbitration. We can seamlessly pivot to alternative methods if necessary, ensuring that you have access to the most effective dispute resolution options tailored for you.

By coming to a lawyer with our legal training and background, you will benefit from our vast experience in all areas of family law, in addition to the training provided by Resolution. Working in a law firm, our Resolution Together trained lawyers are regulated and monitored by legal authorities, ensuring we adhere to strict professional standards and ethical guidelines. This regulation provides you with an additional layer of protection and accountability that other advisors may not offer.  Moreover, the oversight provided by legal regulation ensures that you are receiving the highest quality of service and ethical standards.

Contact our Family Law Solicitors

If you are facing divorce proceedings and you are keen to find out more about Resolution Together, you can contact our Family Law Solicitors in our Andover, Romsey, Salisbury Totton or Witney offices by completing our Contact Form using the telephone numbers below or emailing info@parkerbullen.com.  As part of our service, we offer a free no-obligation initial consultation, during which a member of the team will listen to the circumstances of your situation and provide several options as to the best route for you and your future.