Southeast law firm Moore Barlow has announced the launch of a new service that encourages separating couples to work together during divorce proceedings, as it reports a 50 per cent increase in cases during the last 12 months.
“Accord” has been developed to allow couples to be advised jointly by one experienced family lawyer through a divorce or separation. The new approach is suitable for couples whose joint aim is to reach an agreement together, which meets their needs and helps to safeguard any children involved.
As one such pioneering service, it reflects the approach adopted in the recent no-fault divorce legislation change that allows couples to make a joint application to end a marriage, removing the need to apportion blame between individuals – which often ends in lengthy court cases.
The firm’s 15-strong family team has seen a surge in demand from separating couples seeking a collaborative divorce process – one that reduces time, money and conflict.
Accord is fully compliant with the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) and will operate within a fixed fee structure. As part of the service’s holistic approach, clients can also take advantage of additional therapeutic support to help promote a constructive outcome to the breakdown of the relationship.
Joanna Farrands, partner in the family team at Moore Barlow, said: “Our one couple, one lawyer offering empowers separating couples to reach their own agreement on children and financial matters that arise from a divorce or separation without the need to go to court or two different solicitors.
“As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, favouring a more amicable and harmonious approach to divorce can help to save precious time and money. Coupled with the introduction of no-fault divorce law earlier this year, we’re increasingly seeing couples ask us if they can engage with a lawyer together to decide how they will move forward with their lives.
“Divorce can be a very emotional time. It can cause conflict from either side that impacts those caught in the crossfire, including children and loved ones. By coming to the table together with a shared common interest, with one lawyer who has both of their interests at heart, it can relieve any tension and create an environment where the best outcome can be achieved for all involved.”
For more information, please visit www.moorebarlow.com.
