Separate Together with Nantes Solicitors
Separate Together is Nantes’ new pathway, which allows for one lawyer to provide joint advice to couples considering divorce, separation or child arrangements.
More often than not, couples will find that the best approach to resolving issues relating to divorce or separation is outside of Court, using a form of alternative dispute resolution.
For the first time, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, allows for couples to make joint applications for a divorce with a view to reducing conflict and acrimony in the separation.
How does Separate Together work?
Separate Together can assist you in resolving disagreements over childcare arrangements or finances.
You will be able to work with your lawyer and ex-partner to come to a satisfactory resolution, over a series of joint meetings. Save for the first meeting, which will be undertaken separately, all parties will then attend the meetings, and they and their shared lawyer are free to exchange information.
Where necessary the parties can seek additional advice and information from specialists with the help of their Lawyer.
Upon reaching a conclusion the lawyer will, where required, draft the necessary Court paperwork and lodge it with the Court on behalf of both parties.
Who is Separate Together for?
In the same way that Mediation is not suitable for everyone, Separate Together will not be the appropriate pathway for every separating couple. If you and your ex-partner are looking to work together in and open and honest manner to separate amicably, then Separate Together may be the right approach.
Nantes’ family lawyers are trained in Mediation and Collaborative practice, and are therefore in the best position to work with you, but will also be able to advise you if Separate Together does not appear to be the best approach. For example, it is unlike that Separate Together will be effective in situations where there have been allegations of domestic abuse or where there is an imbalance of power within the relationship.
Is Separate Together more cost-effective than Court proceedings?
Although Court proceedings are a necessity in some cases, they can be very expensive. On the other hand, Separate Together allows yourself and your ex-partner to work with one lawyer, outside of Court. This reduces the cost substantially, and Nantes are pleased to offer transparent, fixed fees.
If you are interested in discussing Separate Together, contact one of our experienced family practitioners today on 01305 771000.
