In recent years, the traditional image of a combative courtroom divorce, with each party armed with their own solicitor, is increasingly giving way to a more cooperative and pragmatic approach. Across England and Wales, separating couples are beginning to adopt a new norm: choosing the one couple one lawyer option. This progressive route reflects not only the shifting attitudes towards separation but also a broader evolution in family law, promoting resolution over confrontation.
In recent years, the traditional image of a combative courtroom divorce, with each party armed with their own solicitor, is increasingly giving way to a more cooperative and pragmatic approach. Across England and Wales, separating couples are beginning to adopt a new norm: choosing the one couple one lawyer option. This progressive route reflects not only the shifting attitudes towards separation but also a broader evolution in family law, promoting resolution over confrontation.
The rise of joint legal representation in divorce
Historically, the idea that a single lawyer could represent both parties in a divorce would have been dismissed outright. Conflict of interest concerns meant that family lawyers typically steered well clear of dual representation. However, recent developments and guidance, such as those from Resolution – an organisation of family law professionals committed to a constructive approach – have paved the way for legal models that facilitate joint support.
This transformation is reflected in the rising number of divorcing couples who now ask: can a law firm represent both parties UK? The answer, increasingly, is yes – provided that certain conditions are met and both parties have a shared commitment to an amicable resolution.
Legal firms across the UK are adapting to this growing demand, with many now offering specialist services under the banner of “one couple one lawyer”. These services focus on transparency, fairness, and the mutual goal of achieving a clean break without the emotional and financial toll of an acrimonious divorce.
What is one couple one lawyer?
The one couple one lawyer approach is a form of legal support in which a single solicitor or legal team helps the divorcing couple to reach a fair and legally binding agreement. This differs from traditional models, where each person retains independent legal representation.
Importantly, the solicitor does not “represent” either person in the adversarial sense. Instead, they act as a neutral facilitator – guiding the couple through the legal, financial, and practical elements of their separation, while ensuring that both parties understand their rights and obligations.
This model relies heavily on open communication and mutual respect. It is not suitable for everyone – particularly those in situations involving domestic abuse, coercion, or significant power imbalances. But for many couples, especially those seeking to avoid an acrimonious divorce, it offers a far more constructive alternative.
Advantages of avoiding an acrimonious divorce
There are many reasons more couples are moving away from the traditional adversarial model. Chief among them is the desire to avoid an acrimonious divorce, which often leaves both emotional and financial scars.
An acrimonious divorce can quickly spiral into lengthy and costly litigation. Legal fees mount, children can become caught in the crossfire, and bitterness can linger long after the final divorce order. In contrast, when a couple opts for a cooperative process, the focus shifts to solutions rather than blame.
By sharing legal support, couples can:
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Save significant legal costs
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Resolve disputes faster
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Reduce emotional stress
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Prioritise the wellbeing of any children involved
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Retain greater control over outcomes
The family law landscape has evolved in response to these benefits, with an increasing number of professionals now trained in collaborative law and mediation.
For a deeper look at this trend, Today’s Family Lawyer has covered the growing preference for joint representation in their blog post “Divorcing Couples Increasingly Opt for One Lawyer”, which outlines the motivations and legal frameworks behind this shift.
Legal considerations: Can a law firm represent both parties UK?
For many, the idea of sharing legal representation may seem counterintuitive. After all, doesn’t every party in a legal dispute need their own advocate?
In some areas of law, this would indeed be unthinkable. But in family law, where the emphasis is often on fairness, transparency, and mutual agreement, the rules are different.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) provides clear guidance on this issue. While solicitors must avoid conflicts of interest, they may act for both parties in a family matter if:
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There is no conflict or significant risk of conflict
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Both parties give informed consent
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The solicitor believes they can act in both clients’ best interests
This typically involves a clear protocol for how the solicitor will manage information, confidentiality, and decision-making. If a conflict arises at any point, the solicitor must step aside and neither party can continue with that legal representative.
As noted in the Today’s Family Lawyer article, the key is whether the separating couple genuinely seeks to work together. If that foundation exists, joint legal support can be an effective and ethical solution.
A practical choice for an amicable separation
The shift towards one couple one lawyer is not just a legal evolution – it is a cultural one. As society becomes more accepting of varied family structures and modern co-parenting arrangements, the emphasis is moving from blame and fault to resolution and co-operation.
The introduction of “no-fault” divorce in England and Wales in April 2022 under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 has further bolstered this shift. By removing the need to apportion blame, the law now encourages couples to focus on constructive separation – and joint legal services fit naturally into that approach.
For many, this presents a welcome alternative to the destructive narratives often associated with divorce. While not every relationship ends on good terms, not every split must become an acrimonious divorce.
Who should consider one couple one lawyer?
Joint representation is ideal for couples who:
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Have a mutual desire to avoid an acrimonious divorce
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Agree on key issues (such as child arrangements or division of assets)
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Are willing to engage in open, honest dialogue
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Want to maintain a positive post-divorce relationship (e.g., for co-parenting)
It is not suitable where there are significant disagreements, where one party feels unsafe, or where either individual wishes to pursue litigation.
It is also worth noting that each party may be encouraged to take independent legal advice on specific matters – particularly financial ones – to ensure that agreements are fair and enforceable.
A modern solution to a traditional problem
The increasing popularity of the one couple one lawyer model signals a positive change in how divorce is perceived and managed. As more families seek to avoid the pain and cost of an acrimonious divorce, the demand for cooperative, ethical, and balanced legal solutions is only likely to grow.
While joint legal representation won’t suit everyone, it offers a real alternative for those committed to an amicable path forward. With legal frameworks now supporting this route, and with more law firms offering dedicated services, couples can move through separation in a stress-free environment.
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