What is the SSS?

Traditionally, couples each instruct their own solicitor. This can sometimes lead to high costs, delays, and unnecessary conflict.

Our SSS takes a different approach. Instead of each party instructing their own solicitor, which can lead to a more confrontational process, you and your partner will work with an impartial Carter Lemon Camerons (CLC) solicitor, who will guide both of you through the process, explains your legal options, and help you reach a fair and workable agreement together taking into account all of the circumstances of your case.

Why Might It Be Right for You?

The SSS approach may be suitable if:

  • You and your partner already have an agreed position or are close to one.
  • You and your partner want to resolve matters amicably and constructively.
  • You are keen to save time, stress, and legal fees.
  • You prefer a clear, straightforward process without drawn-out disputes.

It may not be appropriate where there are safeguarding concerns, domestic abuse, a significant imbalance of power or if one party is unwilling to co-operate.

How Does It Work?

We follow a clear, structured process that ensures fairness and transparency throughout:

  1. Initial Intake Consultation – Each of you meets with us separately at the start. This allows us to understand your circumstances and confirm whether the SSS is right for you.  No legal advice will be provided to either party at the initial intake consultation.
  2. Joint Advice and Discussions – All legal advice is given jointly, either in meetings attended by both parties or in email correspondence sent to both parties. You will never meet with the solicitor one-to-one after the initial intake. This approach ensures neutrality, openness, and trust.
  3. Working Together to Reach Agreement – We will guide you both through your options, explain the legal framework, and help you reach practical solutions on finances, children matters, or other issues.
  4. Drafting Agreements – Once an agreement is reached, we prepare the necessary documents to formalise your arrangements. These can then be lodged with the court where required, giving you a binding and enforceable outcome.

What Issues Can Be Covered?

The SSS can be used to resolve a range of family law matters, including:

  1. Divorce and separation – guiding you through applications and procedure.
  2. Financial settlements – dealing with property, pensions, savings, debts and income.
  3. Children matters – agreeing living arrangements, child maintenance and specific issues, such as where a child goes to school.

Benefits of the SSS

  • Cost-effective – one solicitor for both parties means significantly reduced legal fees.
  • Efficient – avoids lengthy correspondence between two sets of lawyers.
  • Collaborative – reduces hostility and helps preserve relationships.
  • Child-focused – keeps children’s best interests at the centre.
  • Practical – gives you clarity, guidance, and legally binding solutions.

Take the Next Step

Please contact Mike Davidson to find out whether the single solicitor approach might be the right option for you.

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