One Couple, One Solicitor Divorce: A Smarter Way to Separate?
Divorce is often imagined as a long, expensive, and emotionally draining courtroom battle. While that can be true in high-conflict situations, many couples today are looking for calmer, more cost-effective alternatives. One option that is gaining popularity is the Resolution Together or One Couple, One Solicitor divorce, sometimes called a joint divorce or single-lawyer divorce.
But how does it work, and is it right for everyone? Let’s break it down.
What Is a One Couple, One Solicitor Divorce?
In a One Couple, One Lawyer divorce, both spouses work together with a single solicitor to complete the divorce process. Instead of instructing separate lawyers to negotiate against each other, the couple use one solicitor to:
- Explain the legal process and provide advice on the range of likely outcomes specific to their situation.
- Draft the necessary documents
- Ensure the agreement meets legal requirements
- File paperwork with the court
How Is It Different from a Traditional Divorce?
In a traditional divorce:
- Each spouse has their own lawyer
- Communication often goes through solicitors
- Disputes may escalate into litigation
- Costs and timelines can grow quickly
In a One Couple, One Solicitor divorce:
- There is a shared goal of cooperation
- Decisions are made jointly
- The process is typically faster
- Legal fees are significantly lower
This model works best when both parties are willing to communicate openly and compromise fairly.
Who would this be suitable for?
A One Couple, One Solicitor divorce is not for everyone, but it can be an excellent option for couples who:
- Agree that the marriage is over
- Can discuss finances calmly and honestly
- Want to minimize conflict, especially where children are involved
- Are focused on efficiency and affordability
It is especially common among couples who want to maintain a respectful relationship after divorce, such as co-parents or business partners.
Benefits of One Couple, One Solicitor Divorce
1. Lower Cost
Because you’re paying one solicitor instead of two—and avoiding litigation—the overall cost is usually much lower than a contested divorce.
2. Faster Resolution
With fewer procedural delays and less back-and-forth, many joint divorces are completed in a matter of weeks or months.
3. Reduced Conflict
This approach encourages collaboration rather than confrontation, which can significantly reduce emotional stress.
4. Better for Children
When parents cooperate, children benefit. A calmer divorce process can help preserve healthy co-parenting relationships long into the future.
5. Privacy and Control
Couples retain more control over decisions instead of leaving outcomes in the hands of a judge. Importantly, those decisions remain private and not open to publicity through increasing media access to the family courts.
Important Limitations to Understand
While appealing, this option does come with important limitations:
- The solicitor cannot “take sides” or advise one spouse against the other. The advice that they provide is neutral although based on the specifics of each case.
- Full disclosure is critical: Both spouses must be honest about finances.
- Power imbalances matter: If one spouse feels intimidated or disadvantaged, this model may not be appropriate.
- Independent review may still be needed: Some couples choose to have separate lawyers to review the final agreement before signing.
A good lawyer will screen for these issues and may recommend another process if that would be a better fit for the couple.
How Does It Compare to Mediation?
One Couple, One Solicitor divorce is similar to mediation, but not identical.
- Mediation: A mediator helps couples negotiate but cannot give legal advice or draft legal documents.
- One Solicitor model: The lawyer analyses the circumstances of each case against the relevant law. They then provide the couple with advice as to what would represent a fair outcome or range of outcomes based on their particular circumstances and where an agreement is reached help formalise that agreement if necessary by court order.
In some cases, mediation and the one-lawyer approach are combined for an even smoother process.
Final Thoughts
A One Couple, One Solicitor divorce isn’t about “winning” or “losing”—it’s about ending a marriage with dignity, clarity, and cooperation. For couples who are aligned in their overall goals and committed to fairness, it can be one of the most efficient and emotionally healthy ways to move forward.
Divorce is never easy, but it doesn’t have to be a battle. Sometimes, one couple and one solicitor really is enough.
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