Why it matters: Following changes introduced in April 2024, couples who haven't tried to resolve disputes outside court could face penalties and financial sanctions.
The big picture: Two main alternatives to court proceedings are gaining traction locally, aimed at helping couples find amicable solutions.
Lisa Dawson, Partner and Head of Family Law at Ellisons, explains: "With court delays often exceeding 18 months, these new approaches save time, reduce costs and help our clients find amicable solutions for the whole family."
How it works: Two main approaches are available:
Resolution Together: One lawyer works with both parties
Collaborative Law: Each person keeps their own lawyer but works together with other professionals
Sally Ward, Senior Associate at Ellisons, explains:
We try to identify the right path for each family, by discussing all the appropriate options available to them and hopefully helping them to decide together which resource they can access to deal with matters outside of court.
Resolution Together allows one lawyer to work with both parties to find the best outcome for the whole family.
Yes, but: These approaches aren't suitable for everyone. Cases involving domestic abuse, significant power imbalances, or high emotions may still require traditional court proceedings.
The benefits: Out-of-court approaches can:
Speed up resolution, often taking months instead of years
Reduce legal costs
Support better co-parenting relationships
Give couples more control over timing and decisions
Create less stressful environments for discussions
"Collaborative law encourages less conflict and more communication, which supports co-parenting," explains Samantha Markham, Associate Solicitor at Ellisons. "Being able to positively co-parent is beneficial for children of the family who are adjusting to their new normal."
Bottom line: With new rules pushing for out-of-court settlements and significant court delays, these alternative approaches could offer Suffolk couples faster, less expensive, and more amicable ways to handle separation.
