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When a couple decides to separate or divorce, the first assumption is often that each person needs to “lawyer up”, hiring opposing solicitors to negotiate everything from finances to child arrangements. But this traditional, adversarial model doesn’t suit every family.

What if you and your partner are on good terms? What if you’ve already reached an agreement and just need help formalising it? Or perhaps you’re at the beginning of your journey, planning to marry, and want to agree on financial matters with clarity and care.

That’s where the Single Solicitor Service comes in: a modern, collaborative approach to family law that’s ideal for couples who want to move forward with respect, simplicity, and legal confidence.

What Is the Single Solicitor Service?

The Single Solicitor Service allows one qualified solicitor to assist both parties in a family law matter where there is no significant conflict and a shared commitment to resolving things amicably. This might include:

• Divorce and separation
• Financial settlements
• Child arrangements
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements

Rather than each person instructing their lawyer, the couple works together with one neutral legal professional who:

• Provides clear, balanced legal information
• Facilitates open discussion
• Drafts formal legal documents
• Ensures both parties understand their rights and obligations
• Enables couples to make informed, mutual decisions with efficiency and dignity.

Why Couples Are Choosing This Approach

Separation shouldn`t be a battleground. Equally, a prenuptial agreement shouldn’t be seen as something to worry about or as a sign of distrust: it’s simply a practical tool that allows couples to plan their future with clarity and mutual understanding, especially when navigating the complexities of cross-border relationships

Many couples want to avoid unnecessary legal escalation and focus on building workable, respectful solutions, especially when children are involved.

Others are at the start of a committed relationship and want to create a prenuptial agreement that reflects transparency and shared values. A single solicitor can guide both partners through this process in a collaborative, cost-effective way.

Whether separating or preparing for marriage, the Single Solicitor Service offers:

• One point of contact
• Clear, consistent communication
• Reduced costs (one legal fee instead of two)
• Less stress and faster outcomes

England and Italy: Two Legal Systems, One Professional

As a family lawyer qualified in both England & Wales and Italy, I regularly assist couples with ties to both countries. While this single solicitor model is increasingly recognised in England, particularly following the introduction of no-fault divorce, it differs from how family law is typically approached in Italy. Given these significant legal and procedural differences between the two jurisdictions, expert guidance is always essential to ensure that clients fully understand their rights, obligations, and the potential outcomes in each legal system.

In these specific circumstances, this service can work well when:

• Both parties are open to fair discussion
• There’s no history of abuse or coercion
• The couple has already reached an agreement or needs help reaching one
• You’re looking to create a prenuptial agreement based on mutual respect
• You have cross-border considerations, such as dual residence, foreign property, or different nationalities

As someone qualified to practise in both jurisdictions, I offer:

• Fluency in both legal languages: English and Italian
• Deep understanding of cultural and legal expectations in both countries
• Expertise in cross-border family matters (jurisdiction, recognition, property rights, and more)
• A neutral, trusted voice to guide you through complex legal terrain

Whether you’re planning your future or respectfully ending a chapter, the right legal guidance makes all the difference.

The Single Solicitor Service offers a refreshing alternative for couples who want to approach family law with maturity and mutual respect, whether you’re separating, making child arrangements, dividing finances, or preparing for marriage with a prenuptial agreement.

It’s a legal model that empowers rather than escalates, designed for people who want clarity, not conflict.

Interested in exploring this service?

Contact us for a confidential conversation about your situation. we offer tailored advice in both English and Italian, and can assist wherever you are, across England, Italy, or beyond.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.

To find out more about our services, visit International Divorce section of our website.

Call us now to discuss your case 0330 107 0107 or email us at info@imd.co.uk.