Resolution Together – Cooperative Divorce

To pursue your divorce in this way, you and your partner need to be comfortable discussing everything openly together with your jointly appointed lawyer. There must be no concern about controlling or abusive behaviour and no known legal conflicts.

So long as both parties share the aim of a fair outcome for themselves and their family and there is no conflict of interest, then joint advice will be suitable.

Resolution Together is particularly well suited to couples who are already broadly in agreement, but it can also work well where agreement still needs to be reached, provided both parties are:

• Willing to listen to the advice and views of the other
• Willing to consider alternatives
• Committed to full openness and honesty throughout.

Financial disclosure will still be required in all cases to ensure any agreement reached would be approved by the Court. The advice we provide is as to whether any agreement reached is fair, and we will draft all relevant paperwork once terms are settled.

1. Provide joint legal advice on how the law applies to the situation.
2. Explore potential options for reaching an agreement.
3. Suggest other professionals for additional assistance such as mediators, financial and pensions experts and professionals who can provide you with emotional support should you need it.
4. Help couples reach an agreement based on what they consider is best for their own circumstances.
5. Move at whatever pace the couple agrees to.

1. Offer individual advice outside joint meetings.
2. Keep information confidential from the other partner once the Resolution Together agreement is signed.
3. Make decisions or negotiate on behalf of the individuals.

Mediators cannot give legal advice. With Resolution Together, both parties benefit from full legal guidance they can each rely on, to reach a just and balanced outcome.

Before any joint work begins, each party meets individually with the lawyer. This initial meeting allows for a proper assessment of suitability including:

• Safeguarding – consideration for any signs of abuse, unlawful activity, coercive control, or significant power imbalance
• Capacity – assessing each person’s ability to voice what they want to achieve, make decisions, and share information freely
• Willingness – to negotiate and achieve a fair resolution based on current law.

If both parties are assessed as suitable and happy to proceed, all future meetings will be held jointly. The process follows these stages:

1. Sign the agreement to work together – Both parties sign a joint retainer agreement, confirming their informed consent and commitment to the process.
2. Financial disclosure – Full financial information is gathered and exchanged covering property, pensions, savings, income, and any business interests.
3. Legal advice on options – Your solicitor will provide advice on the potential approaches a court might take and the options available.
4. Working towards agreement – With the benefit of joint legal advice, both parties explore the issues together and work towards reaching a fair agreement on finances and, where relevant, arrangements for children.
5. Additional support if required – Where needed, specialist input or alternative dispute resolution professionals can be brought in to help resolve any sticking points and keep the process moving forward.
6. Finalising the agreement – Once agreement is reached, all required paperwork is prepared and submitted to court, making the agreement legally binding.

Yes. Either party can seek a second opinion from another lawyer at any time. Discussions in joint meetings are confidential unless both agree otherwise.

If no agreement can be reached, then either party can end the process, and each would need to instruct new lawyers separately. Neither of you will be able to continue with Howell Jones Solicitors as individuals.

The initial appointment fee is non-refundable even if your matter is considered unsuitable for Resolution Together following the meeting.

Once your appointment is scheduled, you will receive a confirmation email with the time, date and location. You will be meeting with Katy, an experienced family lawyer who has received training in the Resolution Together method of working. Katy is flexible and happy to meet at any of our offices, or virtually if you would prefer.

Prior to the appointment, we will carry out an ID check using InfoTrack in accordance with anti-money laundering regulations. Your ID check and payment will need to be completed before the appointment can proceed.

After your appointment, you will get a follow-up email summarising our discussions which will include our terms of business.

If unsuitable following an initial meeting both of you will need to instruct your own separate Solicitors and neither of you will be able to continue with Howell Jones as individuals.

At Howell Jones Solicitors we offer Resolution Together as part of our everyday family law practice. If you and your partner are looking for a constructive, fair way to navigate separation or divorce, we are here to help you reach a settlement that reflects both of your needs and best interests.

To speak with a member of our family law team, call us today on 0800 011 9813.