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Rachel Jaysan Limited is a limited company trading as Rachel Jaysan under company registration no 15017167.
SRA no 8012973
One separation or divorce. One lawyer.
The One Couple. One Lawyer model allows a couple navigating their way through separation or divorce to work together with the assistance of one lawyer. This reduces conflict and costs and when children are involved, this helps effective co-parenting, and in turn creates a more positive adjustment for both children and their parents.
When a relationship has come to an end, most couples want to separate with ease and without conflict. They also wish to have the confidence that any agreement reached will be practicable and long-lasting for them both as well as their children. Most families going through a separation recognise that going to court is their very least favourable option. They wish to retain autonomy over any decision making and come up with their own solutions. Most also want the reassurance of legal advice and have the same person draft any agreements.
Until recently, a one-stop solution that incorporates all these wishes hasn’t been an option. The innovative One Couple. One Lawyer process is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). It means that a couple can use one shared lawyer, who will offer transparent legal advice to both parties, allowing them to consider and work through their options.
We are experienced in working with two parties simultaneously. We work with both parties as their shared lawyer. We identify what is important to you both and set out a clear framework to help you achieve your aims, together.
ONE COUPLE. ONE LAWYER
1. Confidential meeting
Each party will meet individually with the lawyer in a confidential meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to understand your circumstances in more detail and to determine suitability.
2. The Sessions:
All sessions will take place together, either remotely or in person:-
Finances
In a number of joint meetings we will do as follows:-
- Complete financial disclosure together.
- Consider whether we need to instruct an expert to assist on specific issues such as pension valuations, tax considerations or a wealth or mortgage adviser to assist us in looking at projections / affordability to allow for an agreement that has longevity.
- We will advise you both in relation to the information and documents provided, and in conjunction with the advice of any experts, and work with you both to help you reach agreement, advising you both along the way.
- Once agreement has been reached, we will draft all legal documentation and file it at court, on your behalf, where necessary.
Arrangements for children
In a number of joint meetings we will do as follows:-
- Understand the issues, the arrangements and the proposed arrangements and provide the relevant advice
- Decide whether it may be necessary to instruct an expert such as an Independent Social Worker or child psychologist to speak to the child(ren) to understand their wishes and feelings and feed that information back.
- Once agreement has been reached, we will draft all documentation and file it at court, on your behalf, where necessary.
WHEN CAN ONE COUPLE. ONE LAWYER CAN BE USED?
- Divorce or separation
- Agreeing arrangements for children
- Nuptial agreements (although both parties must also take independent legal advice)
Contact Rachel
Rachel Jaysan
Family lawyer & mediator
Telephone: 020 8958 2073
Website: www.racheljaysan.co.uk
Email: rachel@racheljaysan.co.uk
Or fill out the form below and we will get back to you
One Couple. One Lawyer FAQs
Can I get my own advice?
Absolutely. You are both always at liberty to seek your own independent legal advice.
What if we can’t reach agreement?
We will consider utilising other methods of dispute resolution such as early neutral evaluators and/ or arbitrators to narrow issues or resolve any remaining issues that can’t be resolved.
Will this method work for everyone?
If there is or has been domestic abuse, you and your ex partner are in a high conflict situation, there is an imbalance of power, or you are not at all aligned then this process will not be suitable.
Will my agreement be binding?
At the end of the process, any financial agreement will be drafted into a consent order and will be sent to the court. This means that it will become binding.
If arrangements for the children are required, then you can decide whether you prefer to agree a more informal parenting plan or, where relevant, we can discuss a binding court order.
Is this method expensive?
Working as one team with one lawyer will significantly reduce costs. We utilise joint meetings to carry out much of the work. Focused meetings are found to be significantly more productive when it comes to both moving matters forward and negotiating.
We do not offer legal aid.
If you or your partner think you may be eligible for legal aid then please click this link:
https://checklegalaid.service.gov.uk/children-families-relationships/family-mediation-session