Divorce means conflict – and separate lawyers

Myths and misconceptions can cloud the process when it comes to separation and divorce.

At Boodle Hatfield, our team understands the importance of clarity and accurate information during life’s most personal and challenging times and as such have set out a Family Law MythBusters series to address a number of the common misunderstandings. Partner, William Rollin outlines the answer to the following common myth.

Myth: Divorce means conflict – and separate lawyers.

Not necessarily. It’s a widely held belief that when a couple decides to divorce, each person must instruct their own solicitor. While this is sometimes the case – it’s not the only option. If a couple is able to communicate constructively, there is now a more collaborative alternative: Resolution Together.

What is Resolution Together?

Resolution Together is a model of legal support that allows one lawyer to work with both clients jointly. It’s designed for couples who want to separate with dignity, transparency, and mutual respect. The process is offered by specially trained family lawyers who are members of Resolution, the national organisation promoting non-confrontational approaches to family law.  The aim is to reduce conflict and help couples reach decisions they both feel comfortable with.

Unlike mediation, where the mediator cannot give legal advice, the Resolution Together solicitor can provide legal guidance to both parties helping them understand the law, their rights and responsibilities, and supporting the couple in reaching fair and informed decisions. This ensures that both individuals receive clear, consistent legal advice throughout the process.

How does it work?

The process begins with individual meetings to ensure that Resolution Together is appropriate for the couple’s circumstances. If both parties are willing to engage openly and respectfully, joint meetings follow, where the Resolution Together practitioner facilitates discussions and advises the parties together on finances, children, and future arrangements.

Where appropriate, the solicitor can bring in neutral experts -such as financial advisors, pension specialists, or child consultants – to support the couple in making well-informed decisions. Once agreement is reached, the solicitor drafts the necessary legal documents to formalise the outcome.

Is it right for everyone?

No. Resolution Together is not suitable where there is a history of domestic abuse, coercive control, or significant power imbalance. But for many couples – particularly those with shared goals, children, or complex financial arrangements – it offers a more efficient, cost-effective, and emotionally intelligent way to divorce.

Our approach at Boodle Hatfield

At Boodle Hatfield, we are proud to offer Resolution Together as part of our commitment to modern, client-focused family law. For high-net-worth individuals and families, this approach can be especially valuable – analysing complex assets, providing quality neutral advice to both parties together and supporting consensus.  Our team draws on deep expertise in family issues, structures, business interests, family assets and international considerations to help couples navigate separation and divorce with clarity and confidence.

If you know someone who is contemplating divorce – you could do them a favour by suggesting that they explore Resolution Together.  It may offer a calmer, more constructive way forward at what can otherwise be a challenging and overwhelming time.