GOOD DIVORCE WEEK (28 Nov - 2 Dec '22)

‘Good Divorce Week’ is an annual campaign by Resolution, a community of family solicitors and other professionals who work with families and individuals promoting a non-confrontational approach to resolving family issues, including divorce, the financial aspects of a divorce and arrangements for children.

This year’s campaign runs from the 28^th November 2022 – 2^nd December 2022 and will highlight the crisis in the family courts and raise awareness of all the different ways families can resolve their disputes away from Court - where it is safe and appropriate to do so - and how Resolution members guide families through that process.

Do I need to do through the courts to get a divorce?

As many court users will know, the family courts are currently in crisis. The family courts are overstretched and tackling huge backlogs, both in terms of dealing with listings and administrative tasks. Despite the best efforts of court staff, families are frequently left waiting long periods of time to sort out finances and children arrangements.

The concept of a “Good Divorce”, is perhaps a strange notion, however, consider a divorce process that does not ignore the fact that separation can be emotionally difficult.  Whilst not seeking to encourage divorce, Resolution’s “Good Divorce Week” highlights the alternative ways to manage the process of divorce, avoiding the stereotypical “battle” that is often narrated within the media.

What is ‘Resolution Together’?

‘Resolution Together’ is a way of working that allows lawyers to work with and advise couples jointly, including providing appropriate legal advice, through a divorce or separation.

This new way of working comes after the implementation of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 which came into force on the 6^th April 2022, and allows couples, for the first time, to make joint applications to end a marriage collectively.

As a result, Resolution has developed a new approach to serve separating couples. This reflects the change in legislation and the desire to reduce unnecessary conflict between individuals to benefit all those involved.

It will work by allowing a single legal professional to provide advice to a separating couple who want to manage their separation together. It is suitable for those whose joint aim is to reach an outcome that meets their needs and if they are parents, the needs of their children.

Resolution has worked with the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to ensure that ‘Resolution Together’ operates within current regulations and provides as much support and reassurance for members as possible.

As a Resolution Accredited Family Law Solicitor and Associate at Johnson Astills Solicitors, I consider this new initiative may serve as an effective alternative approach to resolving dispute amicably, where there has been no history of domestic abuse and both parties have expressed a wish to work together.

Alternative dispute resolution such as Resolution’s ‘Working Together’, Mediation, Family Law Arbitration and Collaborative Family Law not only provide an alternative amicable approach to resolving conflict but also may avoid the need for divorcing couples and separating parents to attend court.

Why should I seek advice from a Resolution member for my divorce?

As a family law solicitor at Johnson Astills solicitors and Resolution member, I am committed to following the Resolution Code of Practice which means I will always strive to:

1. Reduce or manage conflict and confrontation.
2. Support and encourage families to put the best interests of any children first.
3. Act with honesty, integrity and objectivity.
4. Help clients understand and manage the potential long-term financial and emotional consequences of decisions.
5. Listen to and treat everyone with respect and without judgment.
6. Use experience and knowledge to advise clients.
7. Continue to develop my knowledge and skills. 

How can we help?

Johnson Astills are committed to supporting Resolution’s “Good Divorce Week”. If you are going through a divorce, contemplating a separation, or would like to know more, please contact a member of the specialist family law team who are highly experienced in dealing with these matters.

At Johnson Astills we offer fixed fee consultations in relation to all family law matters to provide you with more information and guidance. More details regarding our fixed fees can be found here. We also offer a fixed fee package for divorce matters, which can be found here.

To discuss any family law query please contact our highly experienced family law team through our free online enquiry form, at our Leicester office on 0116 255 4855 or our Loughborough office on 01509 610312, or email: legal@johnsonastills.com.