The Resolution Together “one couple, one lawyer” approach to divorce advice has gained a high profile vote of confidence, as Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola and his wife, Cristina Serra, announce they are using this model to take advice following their separation after ten years of marriage and 30 years together.
Having offered this service since July 2024, I have always advocated that the one couple, one lawyer approach to helping couples make a consensual decision about the outcome of their separation can be used for suitable couples regardless of how complicated or valuable their assets are.
Resolution Together is a new way to take advice jointly in the context of a divorce – it does not mean any reduction in the quality of advice nor of the level of detail of the analysis of the couple’s assets.
Benefits of divorcing through the Resolution Together model
Essentially, by taking advice together, the couple will hear the same advice at the same time, which cuts out so many disadvantages to the traditional model:
- It avoids confusion and minimises scope for conflict – the lawyer can explain concepts to the couple together and clarify factual information with them both instantly rather than having to raise formal questions of the spouse’s separate lawyer.
- It speeds up progress – with no need for two lawyers to correspond or agree the best course of action, progress can be made so much more quickly.
- Expert evidence can be obtained openly – input from valuers, pensions on divorce experts and financial advisers, counsellors and divorce coaches can be arranged. Technical reports can be discussed in person so the couple have a proper understanding of what is beneficial for the situation as a whole. This maximises the prospect of creative and tax-efficient solutions the couple can then explore together.
- It ultimately costs less – the couple share the single lawyer’s hourly rate rather than each paying separate lawyers.
Can anyone choose the one couple, one lawyer approach?
Whilst brilliant, it is not going to suit everyone. If there is any background of coercive control or abusive behaviour of any kind; or a significant power imbalance which cannot be overcome by neutral advice, the service will not be appropriate. This will be assessed by the Resolution Together specialist at the start.
The couple must share the aim of achieving a fair outcome for them both (and any children they have) and feel comfortable to voice what they want for themselves in the presence of the other.
Seeing such a wealthy and high-profile couple select this new model as their favoured approach to resolve the financial aspects of their divorce settlement should give the new service the spotlight it deserves.
So many people go through expensive and acrimonious court cases, which do nothing for their family dynamics post-divorce and cost far more than the process can if done in a more collaborative and constructive way.
With Pep Guardiola and Cristina Serra being the first known high-profile couple to choose the Resolution Together model, I hope that it will raise awareness of this innovative process and the benefits that it can provide in enabling a more amicable process for divorcing couples.
Resolution Together is the answer for those who are suitable and prepared to engage in a new way.
For more information about our couples advice service, Resolution Together visit: Resolution Together | Expert Legal Advice | Stephens Scown