One couple, one lawyer: A kinder way to navigate separation

Can one lawyer really support both sides in a divorce? It might sound counterintuitive, but a growing number of couples and family lawyers are embracing this forward-thinking approach. Known as “one couple one lawyer” or “one lawyer two clients”,  it’s gaining momentum as a constructive, cost-effective way to separate.

And a new study from the University of Warwick suggests this model could be a key part of the future of family law.

What is it?

Traditionally, separating couples each instruct their own solicitor. The “one lawyer two clients” model turns that on its head. Instead of each person having their own lawyer, the couple works together with one. The lawyer doesn’t “represent” either party. They give legal advice jointly, helping both clients understand their options and reach a fair agreement.

This isn’t mediation. It’s legal advice shared and delivered in a way that promotes cooperation over confrontation.

Why is it needed?

Family law is evolving. With court delays, rising costs, and a growing appetite for amicable solutions, couples are seeking alternatives. The “one couple one lawyer” model offers:

•    Lower costs
•    Quicker outcomes
•    Reduced conflict

It’s part of a broader shift towards more compassionate, less adversarial separation.

Reflection

Last week saw the release of Dr Rachael Blakey’s report Evaluating innovative family law practice: the ‘one-lawyer-two-clients’ format. This is the first research that has looked into this way of working. 

As an early and enthusiastic adopter of the “one couple one lawyer” model, I found the report both a reassuring endorsement of its benefits and a valuable prompt for reflection on its future development.

Dr Blakey spoke to 24 lawyers using the model in practice. Here’s what they said:

• Clients like it: Many couples appreciated the clarity and calmness of working together, as well as feeling more in control and less stressed.
• Lawyers feel positive: Most felt the model helped reduce hostility and improve outcomes.
• It’s not for everyone: High-conflict cases or those involving abuse aren’t suitable.

The report highlights impressive settlement rates - many lawyers reported 100% success, with only rare instances where agreement wasn’t reached. That mirrors our experience at Mills & Reeve.

Dr Blakey emphasises the importance of thorough screening. This model isn’t suitable for all couples, and indepth, initial individual conversations to explore relationship dynamics, motivations and emotional readiness are essential. Her research gives clients confidence that if they’re assessed as suitable, there’s a very good chance of reaching a constructive resolution.

The study also underlines the need for clear boundaries and ethical safeguards. Lawyers must ensure both clients understand the scope of the advice and that there’s no imbalance of power.

Who is it for?

This model works best for:

• Couples who want to avoid court
• Those who broadly agree on the outcome
• People who value speed, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness

It’s not suitable where there’s a history of domestic abuse, coercion, or significant mistrust.

Myth-busting: Is it really legal?

Yes, with safeguards. The lawyer must:

• Ensure both clients understand the limits of the advice
• Check for any power imbalances
• Be clear that they’re not “representing” either party

The biggest challenge is conflict of interest. If things can’t be resolved, the lawyer may need to step away. That’s why being open and honest, clear boundaries and upfront agreements are vital.

Flexibility

Dr Blakey’s report explores the variety of practice within the model. While there’s no single “correct” structure, most “one couple one lawyer” practitioners follow similar steps: screening, joint meetings, financial disclosure, legal advice, have input from other professionals (like financial advisers or PODEs), and ultimately a consent order.

This flexibility is a real strength, and when I’m working with a couple it allows me to tailor the process to their specific needs.

What does Mills & Reeve offer?

At Mills & Reeve, we call this service separate well with one lawyer, and we’ve been offering it since 2022. It’s designed to help couples separate in a constructive, cost-effective and amicable way. There are now 12 of us who are trained and experienced in working with one couple and we can offer this from each of our seven offices.  

We offer a range of packages to suit different needs and budgets:

• For couples who’ve already reached agreement and just need help turning it into a legally binding consent order.
• For couples who are broadly agreed but need help working through the detail and understanding their legal position.
• For couples who need more support to reach agreement, including multiple joint meetings and input from other professionals such as financial advisers or pension experts.

Each package includes a thorough screening process to ensure the model is appropriate, followed by a structured process tailored to the couple’s circumstances. We also offer fixed fees wherever possible, so clients know exactly what to expect.

You can also read real case examples and watch our vlog to see how the service works in practice. And for those of you who enjoy a podcast, you can listen to this episode of our very own podcast Explaining Family Law.

Looking ahead

The report calls for further research, especially into client experiences, and raises important questions about regulation and training. As practitioners, we should welcome that conversation. As the one lawyer two clients model grows, we need to ensure it’s practised ethically, consistently and with the right safeguards while preserving the flexibility and responsiveness that make it so effective.

This model could also reshape how we think about legal support in divorce. It’s part of a wider trend towards:

• Non-court solutions: Mediation, arbitration, and collaborative law are growing in popularity
• Client empowerment: Helping people understand and navigate the law themselves and a respect for client autonomy
• Reducing conflict: Moving away from “win-lose” thinking, supporting wellbeing and being solution-focused – especially when children are involved

The one couple one lawyer model may not be a silver bullet. But for the right couples, it offers a kinder, quicker, and more affordable way to separate. Curious to know more? Our team is always happy to explain how the process works and whether it might be a good fit for you and your family.