Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Resolution Together suitable for?

Resolution Together is suitable for couples whose joint aim is to reach an outcome together which meets their needs and, if they are parents, the needs of their children. They must give informed consent to full disclosure and agree that the legal professional working with them will not act for either individually. The legal professional may not represent either or both in communications with the court, except where it has been agreed that the adviser will file a draft order on their behalf.

Q: Who is Resolution Together unsuitable for?

Resolution Together is unlikely to be appropriate where there has been any form of abuse in the relationship, safeguarding or capacity concerns, or a significant power imbalance that cannot be managed appropriately. It may also be inappropriate where there are issues relating to mental or emotional health, substance misuse, unwillingness to negotiate, concerns about hidden financial information, duress, complex international jurisdiction issues, relocation or child abduction risks, public law children matters, or concerns regarding potential unlawful acts such as money laundering or fraud.

Q: Isn’t it just mediation by another name?

While Resolution Together shares some principles with mediation, it is an advice-based legal service where both clients receive legal advice on a jointly beneficial basis. The legal professional must adhere to conflict of interest regulations. The couple works together to reach a decision which is recorded in a draft order, and the legal professional assists them in obtaining an approved order. Although discussions are confidential and legally privileged during the process, that privilege is later lifted so a binding outcome can be drafted and approved.

Personal Legal Services » Family Matrimonial and Divorce » Frequently Asked Questions

What is Resolution Together?

Resolution Together is a comprehensive client service provided to a separating couple by a single legal professional (or as part of a team co-ordinated by a single professional) for those who want to manage their separation or divorce together. A key feature is that individuals must give their informed consent to disclosing all the relevant factual and financial information required in order to reach their decisions together, to one another and to the legal professional who will be advising and guiding them towards their final outcome/s. It is a legal service provided within existing regulation.

Who is Resolution Together suitable for?

It is suitable for those whose joint aim is to reach an outcome together which meets their needs and if they are parents, the needs of their children. As part of their agreement to work together, they must have given their informed consent to all required disclosure, and they must also agree that the legal professional who is working with them will not be acting for either of them individually and may not represent either or both in communications with the court, other than where it has been agreed that their adviser will file any draft order with the Court on their behalf.

Who is Resolution Together unsuitable for?

It is unlikely to be appropriate for those where there is or has been any form of abuse in their couple relationship or safeguarding or capacity concerns or where there is a significant power imbalance that cannot be managed appropriately. Similarly, it may also be inappropriate if there are or have been issues around mental or emotional health or substance misuse. It would also be inappropriate if one or both individuals isn’t prepared to negotiate with the other, or where either person intends to, or believes that the other may seek to ‘hide’ information especially about finances, and/or where either person feels under any duress to take part. It may also be unsuitable for certain matters involving more complex aspects of the law, e.g. international jurisdictional issues, international relocation or risk of child abduction, or where there may be concerns in relation to public law children matters. Clearly it would be inappropriate for any matter where there is any concern in respect of the potential for an unlawful act (e.g. money laundering or fraud).

Isn’t it just mediation by another name?

It is true that some of the principles relating to Resolution Together are closely aligned to other dispute resolution approaches, such as mediation. However, Resolution Together provides an advice-based service where both clients are able to receive advice, including legal advice on a jointly beneficial basis. Generally, those who choose Resolution Together will not be in a dispute or have a ‘conflict’ as known within law and the professional they are working with must adhere to regulations in respect to conflict of interest/s. Their appointed legal professional will provide advice and may also suggest that advice and assistance is obtained from others as part of the team assisting the couple. The aim is that they will reach a decision that will be recorded in a draft order and the legal professional will assist them to obtain an approved order. Although they will, similar to a mediation, be able to have confidential and legally privileged discussions together as part of their chosen service, they will latterly lift that privilege in order to proceed to a binding outcome together usually drafted for them by their single solicitor/lawyer in the appropriate terms.

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If you are interested in understanding how Taylor Emmet can help you with your family law issues then please contact us.

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Life isn't straightforward, and we know that things don't always go to plan. But when they don't, it's important to have agreements and plans to negate the need for court action, especially regarding your family.

Divorce and Financial Settlements

Securing your financial future following a divorce or civil partnership dissolution will understandably be one of your top priorities. We know that this can be a daunting prospect, which is why we are here to support you in negotiating a financial settlement that protects your current and future interests.

Our Family Law Solicitors and lawyers are experienced in supporting clients from a diverse range of backgrounds, including high-net worth individuals who require advice on their financial rights and responsibilities.

Where required, our Family Law Solicitors and Lawyers at Taylor Emmet can also work in tandem with our Property, Trusts and Corporate specialists to offer a comprehensive service to make sure that every detail has been accounted for.

Divorce and Civil Partnership

No matter the circumstances, a divorce or civil partnership dissolution is always like to be a difficult time, with a range of emotional and practical challenges to overcome. While the process of obtaining a divorce has been streamlined with the introduction of The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act, it is still vital that you have an expert on your side to help you navigate the process with confidence and to ensure your financial security is not put at risk.

Our expertise ensures that we can advise you on every aspect of your divorce or civil partnership dissolution, from the formal application process through to additional arrangements for your finances and children.

Pre and Post-Nuptial Agreements

Pre- and post-nuptial agreements may not seem like the most romantic notion on the surface. Equally, many people may believe that such an agreement is only accessible for the rich and famous. This is far from the case.

Pre- and post-nuptial agreements have grown in popularity in the UK, and for good reason. For many couples, these types of agreements can be a highly effective way of determining how assets will be handled during a future separation, reducing the potential for disruptive and costly disputes.

Our Family Law Solicitors and Lawyers can provide bespoke advice in relation to pre- and post-nuptial agreements, helping you to consider what should be included, or respond to any documents that have been sent by your partner.

Child Arrangements

Making arrangements for your children in the wake of divorce or separation is extremely important. While in many cases couples are able to come to a voluntary agreement, there may be situations in which an application to court is required.

Our team will work alongside you to establish what arrangements are best suited to you and your children, ensuring that you have the support you to achieve a resolution, including in situations where a court order will be required.

Cohabitation Disputes

Despite popular belief, cohabiting couples do not have the same rights as married couples or civil partners. This can have a range of potential consequences, particularly in the event of a future separation.

Cohabitees have minimal protection during separation, so it is vital that you understand exactly where you stand and what your options are if you find yourself in a cohabitation dispute with your former partner.

Our Family Law specialists can advise you on your position and responsibilities, as well as guiding you through the necessary steps to take to protect both yourself and your children.

Collaborative Law

The Collaborative law process is a method of dispute resolution that can act as a viable alternative to court proceedings during divorce and separation. During collaborative law, both parties appoint a Solicitor who is specially trained to support them during round table meetings, agreeing on the practical details of the separation.

You can arrange an initial meeting with our collaborative lawyer Michaela where she can take a closer look at your circumstances and determine whether it is a suitable process for your separation.

Resolution Together – 1 Lawyer, 2 Clients

Resolution Together is a new initiative designed to allow a single Family Law Solicitor or Lawyer to work alongside a couple jointly, as opposed to one individual, during a divorce or separation.

This method of resolution is likely to be ideal for a wide range of separating couples, including those that intend to make a joint application for divorce.

Taylor Emmet is currently one of a small number of firms in Yorkshire that offer the Resolution Together service.

Domestic Abuse

In every instance, your safety, and that of your family, is paramount. Our empathetic Family Law Solicitors and Lawyers have substantial experience and, with members of our team Resolution specialists in handling cases of domestic abuse - we understand the impact domestic abuse can have on the health of you and your family.

We will handle your case with sensitivity and tact, guiding you through all of the legal options that are available to you, including applying to the court for orders under the Family Law Act 1996. We have a legal aid contract, which means we are able to offer legal aid for anyone eligible.

Separation Agreements

There are many reasons why formal proceedings won’t be the right option for couples who intend to separate. Whether it’s because you are undecided about the current status of your relationship, or you simply wish to try a temporary period apart from one another, it is sensible to consider the alternative options that are available – such as a separation agreement.

Separation agreements are legal documents which couples can prepare, confirming the practical arrangements they have made following a separation. They can be used by married couples, civil partners, and cohabitees.

Child Support

Our Family Law Solicitors and Lawyers can help ensure that you are able to find a solution that provides the right level of financial support for your children now and in the future.

We understand how sensitive matters involving your children are likely to be. As such, we are committed to promoting an amicable approach to resolving any disputes that may arise surrounding child support, avoiding lengthy legal battles wherever possible. That said, if court proceedings are required to find a solution, you can be certain that you will receive robust representation and diligent legal advice.

Frequently asked questions about Family Law

What is family law?

When we talk about ‘family law’, we are typically discussing any legal matters that are related to family relationships. This could involve marriages, civil partnerships, cohabitation, parents and children, and the individual arrangements that are made in relation to these relationships.

Family law can also cover various other matters, such as change of name and domestic violence.

What does a Family Solicitor or Lawyer do?

Family Solicitors and Lawyers play a vital role in helping individuals, couples and families to navigate the various hurdles they may be confronted with when dealing with a legal matter.

Exactly what role a Family Solicitor or Lawyer will play will vary from case to case. In addition to providing legal advice that confirms someone’s rights, responsibilities and options, a Family Solicitor can also help parties in dispute to work towards a fair and just resolutions, as well as providing representation during court proceedings.

How much does a Family Solicitor cost?

The fees you may be expected to pay for family law services from a specialist Solicitor or Lawyer will vary from case to case and will depend on a wide range of factors. Once we have a clearer understanding of what your case involves and the level of support you require, our team will be able to advise you further on what the likely costs will be. Legal aid may also be available in certain circumstances, depending on your eligibility.

How can we avoid going to court?

There are a number of methods of dispute resolution which can all be used to help avoid the prospect of having to head to court.

At Taylor Emmet, we are the only firm in Sheffield to offer the full range of options, meaning we are well positioned to help you find a solution to your matter while keeping conflict to a minimu.

Our expertise includes Collaborative Law and Resolution Together, all of which our team can advise you on in detail.

Is it better to have a Solicitor in the family court?

There may be a situations whenre it is necessary to take a case to the family court in order to achieve an outcome that is in theyour best interests of you andand those of your children. In every case, it will always be more beneficial to have a dedicated Family Law Solicitor or Lawyer on your side, who will be able to understand the intricacies of your case and the legal processes involved, significantly increasing your chances of achieving a positive outcome.