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# New divorce options can help Ipswich couples avoid court battles, say local family law experts
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/new-divorce-options-can-help-couples-avoid-court-battles/
- Published: 2024-12-20T08:02:47.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:26:54.000Z
- Description: Separating couples in Suffolk now have more options to resolve their divorce without going to court, as new rules require attempting out-of-court settlements first. With court delays exceeding 18 months, these alternative approaches could save both time and stress.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: Long Reads, #article, Ellisons Solicitors, Samantha Markham, Lisa Dawson, Sally Ward, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**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.

![Members of Ellisons’ Family Law Team: Sally Ward, Samantha Chase and Samantha Markham and Lisa Dawson](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1734627607-ellisons-family-law-team-1.jpg)

Members of Ellisons’ Family Law Team: Sally Ward, Samantha Chase and Samantha Markham and Lisa Dawson (Ellisons Solicitors)

[Lisa Dawson](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/lisa-dawson/), Partner and Head of Family Law at [Ellisons](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/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**](https://www.ellisonssolicitors.com/news/resolution-together/?ref=ipswich.co.uk): One lawyer works with both parties
- [**Collaborative Law**](https://www.ellisonssolicitors.com/news/collaborative-law-a-better-way-for-families/?ref=ipswich.co.uk): Each person keeps their own lawyer but works together with other professionals

[Sally Ward](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/sally-ward/), Senior Associate at [Ellisons](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/ellisons/), explains:

**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](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/samantha-markham/), Associate Solicitor at [Ellisons](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/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.

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