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One Couple, One Lawyer: Collaboration not Conflict

More and more separating and divorcing couples are choosing a new, kinder way to navigate the process of divorce and separation, one that puts communication and cooperation before courtroom battles. That’s where the One Couple, One Lawyer Model comes in. At Thornton Jones Solicitors, we know that divorce doesn’t have to mean war.

What is the One Lawyer Model?

Traditionally, when a couple separates, each person instructs their own solicitor. This can sometimes lead to adversarial negotiations, increased stress, and rising costs. But with the One Lawyer Model, one specially trained works with both of you to guide you through the legal process, together.

Our job isn’t to take sides. It’s to help you reach informed, mutual decisions that are fair, legally sound, and focused on the future.

Why Choose One Lawyer?

This approach isn’t just about saving money (though that’s certainly a bonus). It’s about creating a space for respectful, constructive conversation. By working together from the outset, you can:

  • Stay in control of decisions affecting your family and finances
  • Reduce conflict and promote a more amicable separation
  • Save time and money, with a simplified and more efficient process
  • Protect your children, by modelling cooperation and keeping tensions low

It’s ideal for couples who are broadly in agreement and want to avoid turning a personal change into a legal battleground.


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Meet our One Couple, One Lawyer Specialist

Shelley Wales qualified as a solicitor in 2001 and is a Partner and Head of Family Dispute Resolution here at Thornton Jones Solicitors. Shelley is a qualified Family Mediator and our One Couple, One Lawyer service provider.


Is the One Couple, One Lawyer approach right for you?

The One Lawyer Model works best when:

  • You’re both open to an honest and respectful process
  • There’s no significant power imbalance
  • You’re ready to focus on the future, not the past

We offer an initial consultation to help you both decide if this approach is right for you. If it turns out that one lawyer isn’t the best fit, we can support you in finding the right alternative.

What is the one couple, one lawyer approach?

The one couple, one lawyer approach is a modern method of resolving family law matters, such as divorce or separation, where both parties work with a single, neutral solicitor. Instead of each person instructing their own lawyer, the couple jointly engages one solicitor to help them reach an agreement that works for both sides.

This approach is designed to reduce conflict, save time and legal costs, and encourage a more amicable resolution. It can be particularly effective where the couple is broadly in agreement and wants to avoid court proceedings. The solicitor acts as a facilitator, offering clear legal advice and ensuring that any agreement reached is fair and legally sound.

What is Resolution Together?

Resolution Together is a progressive model of legal support promoted by Resolution, the family law organisation committed to non-confrontational practice. It allows separating or divorcing couples to work with one Resolution-trained solicitor who provides legal advice to both parties jointly.

The focus is on collaboration and mutual agreement, rather than adversarial proceedings. Resolution Together encourages constructive communication and a focus on the best interests of everyone involved, especially children. It is best suited to couples who are committed to resolving issues amicably and wish to reduce the emotional and financial toll of separation.

Can the same solicitor act for both parties in a divorce?

In most traditional divorce cases, the same solicitor cannot act for both parties due to a conflict of interest. Each person is typically advised to seek independent legal advice to ensure their interests are fully represented.

However, under certain alternative dispute resolution models, such as the one couple, one lawyer approach or Resolution Together, it is possible for both parties to work with one solicitor in a limited, neutral capacity. This solicitor does not “represent” either party in the conventional sense but instead helps the couple reach a joint agreement.

It’s important to note that this approach only works where there is mutual trust and no significant power imbalance or safeguarding concerns.

A Modern Approach for Modern Families

At Thornton Jones, we believe in changing the narrative. With the One Lawyer Model, we help separating couples move forward with dignity, clarity, and compassion.

If you’re separating and think this approach could work for you, get in touch with our friendly team. We’re here to help you navigate the legal process with less stress and more support.

Find out more about Resolution and the Resolution Together One Couple, One Lawyer model by visiting the Resolution website.

How Does the One Lawyer Model Work?

There are five key steps to the One Couple, One Lawyer model. These are illustrated below. For more information on each step click here.

One Couple, One Lawyer. The Resolution Together approach to an amicable separation and divorce. Image showing the five key steps to the One Couple, One Lawyer Model.

Get started with One Lawyer today

If you and your partner are considering divorce or dissolution and are interested in exploring the option of a single solicitor for divorce or dissolution, we invite you to contact us for a consultation. Shelley Wales is an experienced family law solicitor and can help you understand your options and determine if this approach is the right approach for you.

We are here to support you every step of the way, providing expert guidance.

Get in touch with our Family Law specialists in Yorkshire

Speak to our family law solicitors in Wakefield, Ossett, Garforth, and Sherburn in Elmet, Yorkshire today by calling 01924 290 029 or ask a question using our online enquiry form.

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Ossett Office

The content of this blog post is for information only and does not constitute formal legal advice and should not be relied upon as advice. Thornton Jones Solicitors Limited accepts no liability for any such reliance upon this content. Where the post includes links to external websites, Thornton Jones Solicitors Limited accepts no responsibility for the content of such sites. Any link to a third-party website should not be construed as endorsement by Thornton Jones Solicitors Limited of any content, products or services which are outside our direct control.

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