‘One lawyer, one couple’ divorce service launched by Family Law team

West Midlands law firm Sydney Mitchell’s Family Law team, which is jointly led by partners Karen Moores and Mauro Vinti, has unveiled a new service for separating couples seeking a fast, cost-effective divorce.

The service gives couples the choice of a more co-operative approach to separation and divorce, with both parties using the same family lawyer, and approaching the process with a shared goal of avoiding potential conflict and saving time and money.

Using the Resolution Together model, created by Resolution, Sydney Mitchell’s Emma Gray, associate and trained Resolution Together solicitor, will lead and deliver the new specialist service.

Emma Gray (pictured) said: “In a significant shift aimed at reducing the strain on family courts and encouraging amicable resolutions, in 2022, the Government introduced new legislation under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separate Act 2020.

“For the first time, this allows couples to make joint applications to end their marriage. Dubbed ‘no-fault divorce’, the law permits couples to separate without apportioning blame, and has already proved to have had a profound impact on divorcing couples, particularly those with children.

“Resolution is an organisation of lawyers and other family justice professionals who are committed to following a non-confrontational and constructive approach to resolving family issues.

“Its Resolution Together model encompasses these principles. It is a way for separating couples who want to work together to manage their separation to instruct a single solicitor to provide advice. Using its framework, our team follow a clear approach that offers clients who are open to the process a way to be able to  conduct their divorce in a fair and calm way, especially for the sake of any children.

“By training in and adopting this approach, the firm has enhanced its family law and divorce services for clients navigating a highly emotional and difficult time, but who are committed to avoiding confrontation and disagreement.”

Karen Moores added: “The traditional legal framework for divorce has often been criticised for its adversarial nature, which can prolong the divorce process and add financial strain.

“We have been looking for a way to enhance and adapt our services to divorcing couples to address this, and Resolution Together provides the framework for our team to do so, thanks to its clear model and framework, robust code of practice, and refreshing new approach.

“Emma is spearheading the delivery of this new service. Acting for both parties involved in the divorce, they will each guide them through the process, not representing either’s individual interests, to help them find the right route and achieve a fair outcome, including advising on financial and child arrangements.”