How to Separate Without Going to Court
Where agreement between the divorcing couple cannot be reached, court proceedings are pursued. Proceedings can be expensive, unpredictable and emotionally challenging. Whilst there are some cases where proceedings cannot be avoided, for many couples alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms can be a preferable option. ADR focuses on cooperation and negotiation to allow the parties to agree matters between themselves, without the need for potentially lengthy and costly court proceedings.
Independent mediator
Independent mediators do not offer legal advice, instead their role is to understand the parties’ circumstances, the issues and the solutions available. By working with both parties, the mediator ensures that both individuals can express their views and wishes. If agreement is reached in mediation, the couple can approach a solicitor to provide legal advice on their proposed agreement. As discussions are direct, rather than through solicitors, costs can be lower.
Separate Together
Nantes Solicitors are pleased to offer the Separate Together pathway where one solicitor jointly advises the couple to help them resolve issues relating to the divorce such as finances or child arrangements. This pathway offers reduced costs and transparent, fixed fees. Nevertheless, Separate Together is only suitable for couples who are willing and able to work together to come to a mutually agreed outcome.
What Nantes’ Separate Together Involves
Nantes Solicitors are pleased to offer the Separate Together pathway where one solicitor jointly advises the couple to help them resolve issues relating to the divorce such as finances or child arrangements. This pathway offers reduced costs and transparent, fixed fees. Nevertheless, Separate Together is only suitable for couples who are willing and able to work together to come to a mutually agreed outcome.
Cherise Luke-Bennett and Carolyn Harmer are both highly experienced solicitors trained to offer the Separate Together pathway.
Our Separate Together service helps couples work with one solicitor to agree on finances or child arrangements at a lower cost. If you’d like to know more, visit our Separate Together page.
Collaborative Law
- Collaborative Law is a process where each person appoints their own collaboratively trained solicitor, and all parties meet for discussions to negotiate the issues in meetings referred to as ‘four-way meetings’.
- Both parties will sign an agreement confirming that they will not go to court to litigate either the divorce or finances which provides an extra layer of protection against costly proceedings.
- Carolyn Harmer is a Collaborative Law trained solicitor who will be happy to assist. Please contact her for more information.
For further information on the collaborative law process, please visit https://resolution.org.uk/looking-for-help/splitting-up/your-process-options-for-divorce-and-dissolution/the-collaborative-process/
Round table meetings, and solicitor led negotiations
- Even if the above options are not suitable for the couple, solicitor led negotiations and round table meetings are also an option in the usual solicitor-client arrangement. Both parties instruct their own solicitors who negotiate on their clients’ behalf, keeping the negotiations functional and factually based, rather than fuelled by emotion.
- Having solicitors that are skilled at this non-adversarial approach to divorce and financial matters is fundamental to not only securing a fair settlement but also reaching it in a cost-effective and practical manner.
Ready to Talk About Separation Without Court?
Whilst court proceedings are sometimes necessary, alternative dispute resolution can save time, stress, and money. Our experienced team can guide you through mediation, collaborative law, or our Separate Together service.
Contact our offices today:
Bridport | Weymouth
Or call us on 01305 771000.
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