The Financial Benefits of Getting Joint Representation During Divorce
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With no fault divorce changing the picture for UK divorcees, in this article, we’re discussing the financial benefits of getting joint representation during your divorce.
There’s no getting around the fact that a divorce can be expensive. UK figures suggest that up to a quarter of unhappy couples are unable to divorce because they cannot meet the cost of the procedure.
However, new UK legislation means that this may now be more affordable for some couples wishing to separate. In this article, we’re looking at joint legal advice and representation for divorce, and how it can help couples on a tight budget.
What is Joint Representation in Divorce?
In April 2022, the no fault divorce law was introduced into UK legislation. This law, which brings Great Britain in line with other countries, including the USA, means that UK couples are now able to obtain a divorce without stating one or more of the five qualifying reasons for the separation.
This has made getting a divorce much simpler and cheaper for many couples wishing to separate, and divorce figures have risen significantly as a result.
Following the advent of the no fault divorce, figures show that an increased number – around 20% – of couples are now choosing joint representation for their divorce. Joint representation means that a divorcing couple will choose to have the same lawyer or solicitor to represent them during the divorce proceedings, rather than each party having their own separate counsel.
This may be connected to the no fault divorce law in that now, many couples are deciding to go their own separate ways amicably. Therefore, a lack of adversity means that they are happy to share representation.
The Financial Benefits of Joint Representation in Divorce
As well as making the divorce process a little more straightforward, choosing joint representation can have some significant financial benefits too. In this section, we’ll take a look at some of these:
Solicitor’s fees
Many family law solicitors charge by the hour and, depending on where you live in the UK and the firm that you choose, you will be looking at around £220 per hour when you hire the services of a solicitor. When both spouses are hiring separate representation, they will both be paying these fees to their respective solicitors. However, with joint representation, there is just one set of fees – literally halving the cost of the solicitor’s fees for your divorce.
In the UK, the average divorce costs around £14,000 – but this figure can be much higher during a complex or long-winded separation. Needless to say, if a divorcing couple is able to split this cost between them, they will both be much better placed when it comes to starting their new lives.
Timing
As we’ve mentioned, solicitors often charge by the hour and, when you have two separate solicitors going back and forth with letters, emails and telephone calls, this racks up considerably more time. This, of course, equals bigger bills for the couple involved.
With joint legal representation, there is often no need for large amounts of communication as this is all collated and discussed with the divorcing couple; saving a significant amount of cash.
Travel and time off
During a divorce, amicable or otherwise, it’s often necessary for the couple to take time off work in order to travel to meetings with their solicitor. When choosing joint representation, there will tend to be fewer meetings required which will subsequently save the couple money on transport and taking time off work.
Cuts down anxiety levels
As well as saving a divorcing couple cash, joint representation can cut down on delays during the process, allowing the couple to move on as quickly as possible. It can also help to reduce the anxiety which is often caused by divorcing spouses not knowing that the other is being told or advised.
With joint representation, all discussions are shared, making for a more amicable, straightforward and mutually agreeable solution. This can be particularly important for those susceptible to mental health issues which can so easily be triggered by the often stressful divorce procedure.
Is a Joint Resolution for You?
While this is a great way of saving money, time, and hassle, it may not be for everybody. If your divorce is particularly acrimonious or is due to infidelity or unreasonable behaviour, working together with the same lawyer may not be realistic.
Similarly, if your divorce includes child custody issues or domestic violence issues, it may not be in your best interests to share a solicitor. In most cases, your chosen solicitor will advise if this is the case after an initial meeting or telephone call.
The Future of Divorce
While a divorce is rarely pleasant, it doesn’t need to turn into a drama. If both parties are agreed on the core elements of the divorce (and they can actually bare to be in the same room together), joint representation can be a great way of motoring through the proceedings and moving on. If, however, your divorce is likely to be complicated and combative, you may be better off hiring separate solicitors.
