One Family Law Included in Pioneering Research
Why the “One Couple, One Solicitor” approach is gaining traction in Family Law
A new research report from Dr Rachael Blakey, associate Professor in Law at Warwick University has found that the “one-lawyer-two-clients” model can transform how couples navigate separation.
Tina Marshall-Kelliher, partner and co-founder at One Family Law Solicitors in Bath, was one of just 24 law firms offering the advice to be interviewed for the findings. Tina, along with her business partner and co-founder Victoria Barnett, are specialists and advocates of the One Couple One Solicitor method as a highly effective route to a better outcome for all concerned.
Tina and Victoria are highly experienced lawyers, having set up their business after many years working in large law firms as family law experts. It was during this time, that they both felt there must be a better way of guiding clients through one of the most challenging and emotional times in life.
Tina commented “We set up One Family Law because we believe in a more human, more hopeful approach. One that doesn’t ask people to strip their lives bare before a stranger. One that honours the emotional complexity of families, rather than reducing them to file notes. We are glad to have been asked to be involved in research that reinforces why we feel strongly about being able to offer this approach to our clients.
We focus on negotiation, mediation, and out-of-court resolution — especially through our One Couple, One Solicitor model. We work with couples jointly, helping them navigate separation constructively and respectfully.
Benefits to the approach are:
✔ Higher rate of settlement — many cases settle without the prolonged costs and stress of court when one solicitor represents both parties under clearly defined terms.
✔ Greater transparency and efficiency — shared legal advice, joint meetings, clear understanding of rights help reduce duplication and mixed messages.
✔ Informed decision-making — each party is informed of legal rights, obligations, options; the lawyer’s role is neutral guidance rather than adversarial.
✔ Lower adversarial conflict — especially beneficial where parties want to preserve some level of rapport (for instance, if children are involved).
✔ Cost and time savings — fewer court appearances, less duelling of separate legal teams.
While seen as progressive and beneficial, there are instances where the OCOS approach may not be suitable — imbalance of power, domestic abuse, or big financial or emotional conflict require strong screening, safeguards, and sometimes alternative models.
One Family Law Solicitors are unique in their approach by being committed to the wellbeing of their clients as a priority. Their aim is to redefine the legal experience by providing services that go beyond legal advice, such as divorce coaching and independent financial advice to help with life post-divorce.
To find out more on the full version and executive summary of the report, visit
https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/law/news/?newsItem=8ac672c7993d982501993e282bd001c4
