Resolving it together: Amicable divorces

25 June 2026

Since April 2022, couples in England and Wales have been able to divorce without assigning blame, this is known as no-fault divorce. Divorcing couples are also now able to complete a joint divorce application, which was not possible previously.

Consequently, there is greater interest in resolving the financial aspects of divorce or the arrangements for the care of their children following separation, jointly and amicably. New initiatives are being offered by family law solicitors to respond to this interest.

This amicable approach to divorce and resolving financial and child issues, which we are seeing grow in popularity, ensures that couples can separate respectfully, while protecting their emotional and financial wellbeing.

What are the options?

In some cases, couples may be able to jointly instruct one family law solicitor to advise and represent them in respect of financial matters or child care arrangements upon relationship breakdown or divorce. This is known as ‘Resolution Together’.

In other cases, couples may opt to each instruct their own solicitor but then proceed on the basis of round table meetings at which both parties and their representatives are present, to work together to reach a mutually acceptable agreement without going to Court. This is known as the Collaborative Law method.

Both options are viewed as being more cost effective and a quicker way to manage the process as there is no back and forth between solicitors negotiating back and forth.

It is important to know that an amicable settlement by means of Resolution Together or Collaborative Law can only go ahead if:

• There is no history of domestic abuse or imbalances of power.
• There are no hidden assets.
• There is a mutual willingness to negotiate openly without a conflict of interest.
• There are no severe mental health or substance abuse issues.

Committing to a resolution together allows both parties to move forward with dignity and clarity which will help to preserve relationships, especially where child arrangements are concerned.

What are the benefits of an amicable divorce?

When both spouses agree to file for the dissolution of their marriage together, there are measurable benefits that avoids the typical “us vs them dynamic”.

For example, collaborative divorces are significantly easier on any children involved, as they do not have to see their parents in the middle of a lengthy legal dispute, which can often be quite distressing for any children involved.

The emotional distress of the spouses involved in the amicable divorce is significantly reduced in comparison to an acrimonious divorce.

Both parties typically submit the application together, which eliminates the shock factor of serving papers. By not going to court, you are also able to eliminate much of the stress from the process and can reduce the costs involved.

While couples will still have to wait the mandatory reflection period of 20 weeks plus the conditional order of six weeks, the process of a joint divorce is much quicker than that of a typical divorce.

Amicable divorces also prevent administrative delays caused by time waiting for solicitors to respond to documents sent by one another.

Coming to an agreement together allows both individuals to have a say in child custody, property division and financial arrangements rather than leaving it to a judge to decide.

What are the steps of an amicable divorce?

The first and most important step of achieving a joint divorce is to ensure that both parties are willing and able to commit to a friendly, mutual divorce.

Once that has happened, it is time to consult with legal counsel and then file a joint application for divorce.

Resolution Together offers a way of working that allows lawyers to work with and advise couples together so they can make a joint application for divorce.

By making a joint application the process will move much faster because neither party are likely to frustrate the process.

Then, once the application has been filed with the family court, you will be able to apply for a conditional order after 20 weeks. Once a conditional order is granted you are still legally married.

When the conditional order is granted, you must then apply for a final order after six weeks and one day, which will officially end the marriage.

During this time, you should try to come to an agreement about child arrangements, financial agreements and child maintenance (where applicable).

How we can help

Managing a divorce is never easy, but when you and your spouse can come to joint agreements it makes the whole process much more friendly and cost effective for all those involved.

Here at Mander Hadley, we are proud to offer both Collaborative Law and Resolution Together, which reflects a modern and empowering approach to joint divorce.

Our team of talented family law solicitors are here to help you explore amicable divorce if you believe you can work with your spouse constructively to dissolve your marriage.

If you and your partner are considering an amicable divorce, get in touch today, for resolutions together.