If you are a someone who has recently separated from your partner, you may be exploring arrangements to reach a financial agreement, and decide upon the practicalities of life after separation, particularly if you have children. In this article, Family Law Solicitor, Yaanick Nelson, provides insight into the Single Lawyer Model, which is designed to support amicable separations and avoid additional stress and legal fees.
What is the Single Lawyer Model?
The single lawyer approach is ideal for amicable separations. We will collaborate with you and your ex-partner to handle your separation jointly. This will mean you can avoid costly court proceedings. We will not represent either of you individually but will provide legal advice to both of you together.
Do I need to be married?
We only provide this service for married couples seeking a divorce.
What if my ex-partner and I disagree on points?
Please note that we cannot advise clients who are in conflict. We can however assist where parties have differing opinions, but they are open to agreeing on what the court’s approach would be.
Will I be listened to?
We will listen to you equally, regardless of who is paying for the service, with the aim of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement for both parties. You and your ex-partner will instruct us, to work with you collectively, which is different from the traditional approach where each party hires separate lawyers to represent their individual interests.
How much will the single lawyer model cost?
We offer the first individual consultation for £60 + VAT per person and a fixed price of £300 + VAT for joint meetings thereafter. You can choose for one party to pay this fee, or you may want to split the fee between you.
Who pays for the single lawyer?
You can decide how to share the costs of the single lawyer. It may be the case that one party decides to pay.
What happens in the joint meeting?
We will provide legal advice based on the information provided by you and your ex-partner. We will explain the potential court outcomes regarding financial matters and/or your children.
What if our matter can only be decided by going to court?
If you decide to go to court, you may each need to hire a different lawyer, as there would likely be a conflict of interest if we were to continue to act for you or your ex-partner separately.
What is the first step to start this process?
We will first meet with you and your ex-partner separately to determine if this approach is right for you and to check for any safety concerns. The single lawyer model is not suitable in cases of power imbalances or particularly complex situations.
Both parties must agree to share all relevant facts and commit to being open and transparent throughout the process.
What if a further expert opinion is required?
This is actively encouraged, so that parties fully understand the consequences of their agreement. We can recommend particular experts and point you in the right direction.
Will our mutual agreement be legally binding?
You may choose to instruct us to make your agreement legally binding by instructing us to draft and submit a financial consent order to the court. The financial consent order will house the important terms of your agreement.
The court will review the order and make it legally binding if it finds the agreement to be appropriate and fair.
Overall, the Single Parent Model can provide the following benefits:
- It is cheaper, quicker and less stressful than proceeding to court;
- It is a more co-operative approach to separation and ideal for amicable separation. With one lawyer guiding both parties, it is less likely that there will be misunderstandings;
- It contributes to a healthier relationship with your ex-partner following separation (particularly important where you are co-parenting); and
- It can produce a mutually beneficial agreement, both financially and practically.
How we can help …
By working with Bennett Oakley Solicitors, our Family Law team strive to provide our clients with practical, down-to-earth guidance to help you navigate your next steps, close this chapter definitively, and embrace a fresh start.
Recognising the uniqueness of every family and situation, our team will listen attentively and provide tailored advice to guide you through the process according to your specific circumstances.
For more information regarding Family Law and legal advice, please don’t hesitate to contact our specialist legal team today.
