A collaborative solution for separating couples in property disputes.
We help unmarried couples find practical, low-conflict resolutions to property ownership disagreements after separation.
Our innovative One Couple, One Lawyer service allows both parties to receive impartial legal guidance from a single TOLATA specialist. This collaborative approach avoids the adversarial nature of traditional legal proceedings, keeping discussions respectful, focused, and forward-looking.
Rather than each person instructing their own solicitor, you’ll work jointly with one experienced lawyer to help you reach a fair outcome – informed by how courts typically treat cohabitation and ownership claims, but shaped by your own priorities.
How the process works
1. One-to-one initial sessions
You’ll each begin with a confidential meeting to talk through your goals and circumstances. We’ll carry out safeguarding checks and explain your full range of options – helping you each decide if a joint legal process is right for you.
If you’re both ready and the service is appropriate, we move to the next stage.
2. Collaborative Sessions
You’ll meet together with your lawyer to map out the key concerns – such as the sale of the property, ownership shares, financial contributions, or any children-related arrangements.
We’ll explore common ground and identify where support may be needed from other professionals (such as a family lawyer for parenting matters), depending on your situation.
3. Developing and refining your resolution
Together, we’ll build out potential settlement proposals and assess how they align with legal principles under TOLATA.
If needed, we can seek a neutral barrister’s view to clarify what a court might likely decide – helping you make confident, informed choices.
4. Time to Reflect
Once a proposed resolution is in place, each of you will be given a reflection period (usually at least 14 days) to consider the terms and, if you wish, obtain independent legal advice.
This pause ensures decisions are made freely, thoughtfully, and without pressure.
5. Finalising the Outcome
If both of you wish to proceed, we’ll draw up a legally binding agreement that accurately reflects what’s been agreed. This can provide clarity and legal certainty moving forward – whether relating to property ownership, financial contributions, or related matters.
Why choose One Couple, One Lawyer?
This service is designed to help couples resolve legal issues following separation with clarity, privacy, and mutual respect – particularly where joint property or shared investments are involved.
Cost-efficient – Work with one lawyer instead of paying two sets of legal fees.
Minimised conflict – Avoid the adversarial setup of separate solicitors.
Faster results – Replace long email exchanges with focused joint sessions.
Tailored outcomes – Shape a solution that reflects your personal priorities.
Privacy protected – Keep discussions and agreements confidential.
Consistent, expert advice – Both of you benefit from hearing the same advice from an experienced TOLATA specialist, helping to prevent misunderstandings or conflicting legal positions.
Post-mediation support – If you’ve reached a proposal in mediation, we can help formalise it into a binding agreement – without the need to instruct separate lawyers.
Is this the right option for you?
This service won’t be suitable for every situation. We will always assess whether it’s appropriate and safe for both parties before proceeding.
It may not be suitable if there is:
- A history of emotional, physical, or financial abuse
- Concerns about mental capacity
- Lack of honesty or transparency
- A focus solely on cutting costs rather than engaging properly in the process
- A high-conflict dynamic or significant power imbalance
Our One Couple, One Lawyer service follows the Resolution Together model. All lawyers providing this service are trained by Resolution and bring deep experience in navigating cohabitation disputes with fairness, clarity, and compassion.
