When Is One Voice Better than Two in Family Law?

As a family law solicitor, I often see couples who have already done a lot of the heavy lifting themselves after they have chosen to separate.

They have been through mediation, had open conversations and in some cases, they are largely in agreement.

The common route then taken is for each to instruct their own solicitor to finalise financial matters.

However, this approach can make the process drawn out and create tensions, sometimes undoing a lot of the positive progress they have already made.

Knowing this, I am now able to offer a Single Solicitor Service as an alternative to separating partners when I believe it will benefit them.

What is the Single Solicitor Service?

With a Single Solicitor Service, both parties will work with one impartial solicitor rather than each instructing their own.

At Carter Lemon Camerons, we start with an individual intake consultation with each person, just to make sure it is appropriate in the circumstances and both are comfortable with the approach before we take it any further. After that, all advice is given jointly either in meetings or by email.

It is my responsibility to explain the law clearly and help the couple finalise an agreement that they can both be satisfied with.

Once they have reached a decision, we draft the necessary documents and, where required, file them with the court so that they become binding and enforceable.

What issues can it cover?

The Single Solicitor Service can help couples agree on:

• Divorce and separation procedures  

• Financial settlements  

• Arrangements for children, including where they live and how they are supported  

If you would like further details on what the service covers, we are happy to answer any questions.

When should a Single Solicitor Service be considered? 

The Single Solicitor Service is not going to be a viable option for every couple that comes through our doors.

If there are safeguarding concerns, a history of domestic abuse or a power imbalance in the relationship, for example, I would recommend each party have separate representation.

However, when both parties share respect and a desire to resolve matters constructively, using a single solicitor can be the most effective approach.

I often see this working well in the following scenarios:

• Where mediation has already taken place and the couple need legal advice to turn a memorandum of understanding into a binding agreement.  

• Where couples are largely in agreement and want to formalise their arrangements efficiently.  

At the end of the day, we want to guide our clients toward solutions that serve their long-term interests. For the right couple and circumstances, one solicitor rather than two can achieve just that.