During the course of this week, as Resolution Members committed to supporting clients through divorce and separation, it’s the perfect time to highlight the work we, and so many other Resolution Members, do to promote divorce well but also to spotlight the need for better support across the board for those going through separation.
Divorce is never easy. There is a stereotype and stigma attached to it, and unless you’ve been through it yourself, your only experience may be through sensationalist TV dramas or films; or reading about the high-profile, multi-million pound cases in the news.
Right now, our family courts are overwhelmed. Delays are severe, resources are stretched, and families are often left in limbo during one of the most difficult times of their lives.
Despite perception of divorce as being high conflict, littered with accusations, bitterness and mistrust – but for many the reality is very different. It can be constructive, child‑focused, and dignified. The truth is, court should be a last resort. There are alternative paths that can be less stressful, more affordable, and far less damaging – especially for children.
As Resolution members, we believe it doesn’t have to be this way. With the right professional guidance and mindset, many couples start the process on a road of less conflict which sets a more cooperative tone for finances and child arrangements. This, coupled with the expectation by the Court’s that in appropriate cases couples will seriously consider the use of non-court dispute resolution (such as mediation) to help reduce the issues or to reach agreement before litigating.
For some couples, litigation may well be the only way for them to resolve their dispute, but far too many families going through separation end up in avoidable and acrimonious court proceedings. It doesn’t have to be like this – there is a ‘better way’.
Resolution, an organisation made up of more than 6,500 family justice professionals, has members who are supporting people every day to find a better way.
What sets Resolution members apart is our commitment to a Code of Practice, to support clients to resolve matters as constructively – and with as little conflict – as possible, keeping the best interests of children at the heart.
Where it’s possible to do so, we seek to resolve problems outside of court, through a range of Non Court Dispute Resolution options and processes, helping to empower couples to take more control over the process and enabling them to move on with their lives more quickly than through the courts.
Resolution’s Code of Practice sets out the principles of a non-confrontational approach to family matters, supporting our ethos and guiding how we work.
The Code isn’t just a set of ideals – it’s a practical, everyday guide for how we work with our peers, colleague and our clients:
- We avoid inflammatory language
- We support and encourage families to put the best interests of children first
- We act with honesty, integrity and objectivity
- We help clients consider the long-term emotional and financial impact of their decisions
- We promote communication and collaboration wherever possible
- We use experience and knowledge to guide clients through the options available to them
Good Divorce Week is about raising awareness of this approach – one that puts children first, reduces conflict, and encourages solutions that work for everyone involved.
All of our family team are members of Resolution and we proud to be part of a community that champions these values and advocates for change in our family justice system. Every family deserves the chance to find a better way through separation – one that’s constructive, compassionate, and fair.
We Can Help
Discussions about separation, divorce, finances and child arrangements can be emotionally charged and complex. Our family law specialists can help you reach clear, fair, and sustainable arrangements, whether through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings if necessary – with a commitment to work with you and our colleagues in line with the Code of Practice and with children front and centre.
You can also read our blog ‘Can You Have a “Good” Divorce?’ here
If you would like advice on separation or divorce, contact us to discuss your next steps.
