One Couple, One Lawyer Divorce Service
Divorce does not always need to involve two separate solicitors, lengthy correspondence or unnecessary conflict. For couples who are able to work together constructively, Wansbroughs’ One Couple, One Lawyer service offers a clear, careful and cost-effective way to manage the divorce process with one jointly instructed lawyer.
What is One Couple, One Lawyer Divorce?
One Couple, One Lawyer is designed for separating couples who want to approach divorce in a more cooperative way. Instead of each person instructing their own solicitor from different firms, you both work with one lawyer who provides joint legal guidance and helps you understand the steps involved.
This approach can be particularly helpful where you are broadly agreed about separating, want to keep legal costs proportionate and are committed to reaching a fair outcome without unnecessary confrontation.
At Wansbroughs, our One Couple, One Lawyer service will always be managed by senior lawyers who will guide both of you through the process with clarity, care and practical advice, helping to reduce duplication, avoid mixed messages and support you in moving forward with dignity and confidence.
How the process works
We begin by considering whether One Couple, One Lawyer is suitable for your circumstances. This includes making sure both of you are comfortable receiving joint advice, that there are no safeguarding concerns or significant power imbalances, and that you are both willing to be open and transparent about the relevant information.
If the service is right for you, we will work with you both to explain the divorce process, discuss any financial -related issues that need to be addressed and help you understand the practical options available. Where an agreement is reached, the necessary legal documents can then be prepared to help formalise matters.
Finalising a divorce does not automatically resolve financial arrangements, so these issues may need to be dealt with separately and carefully. Our role is to help you understand what needs to be considered, what information may be required and how to reach decisions in a clear and structured way.
Initially our service will be limited to couples who have already agreed the potential terms of settlement following a separation. It is anticipated however that this will be extended to parties who are not at that stage and require a process of negotiation to progress matters.
Is One Couple, One Lawyer divorce right for us?
One Couple, One Lawyer is most effective where both of you want to approach divorce constructively and are willing to work together in an open and transparent way. It may be right for you if you are broadly agreed that you want to separate, would like to keep legal costs proportionate, and are both comfortable receiving joint guidance from one senior family lawyer.
It is unlikely to be appropriate where there are safeguarding concerns, domestic abuse, a significant imbalance in confidence or bargaining power, or concerns that one person may not be open about their finances. We will talk through suitability carefully at the outset so you can make an informed decision about whether this is the right process for you.
How this differs from mediation
Mediation can be a helpful way for couples to discuss arrangements with the support of an independent mediator. However, a mediator does not usually provide legal advice to either person. With One Couple, One Lawyer, you both receive joint legal guidance from the same solicitor, helping you understand the legal framework, the practical options available and the steps needed to formalise an agreement where appropriate.
The right route will depend on your circumstances. For some couples, mediation may be the best starting point. For others, One Couple, One Lawyer can provide a more direct way to receive legal guidance together, reduce duplication and keep the process focused, practical and clear.
A senior specialist from the start
With Wansbroughs, One Couple, One Lawyer is not a generic divorce package. It is a carefully managed service which will always be led by senior lawyers providing, clear joint guidance and a calm, constructive process from the outset.
This means you will know who is managing your matter, what the process involves and what to expect at each stage. Their experience will ensure potential issues are identified early and you are guided through the process with clarity and care.