One lawyer, one couple, one solution: Pep Guardiola trades goals for harmony

It has been reported that Pep Guardiola - manager of Manchester City - and his wife, Cristina Serra, have separated after 30 years together. Pep and Cristina are reportedly adopting the "one lawyer, one couple" method, which allows a separating couple to cooperate and agree financial settlements and children arrangements amicably, with the help of one lawyer.

At Mills & Reeve we are very experienced with these type of cases and have specialists who practice one lawyer, one couple in all of our offices. In fact, we were one of the first firms to offer this. We also have a podcast and vlog which outlines the process in greater detail.

What are the benefits of the “one lawyer, one couple” approach?

Some of the positives include:

• Savings in costs because you only pay for one lawyer rather than two
• You both get the same legal advice at the same time reducing the risk of cross communication and misunderstandings
• Better communication also leads to less conflict, less stress and more focus on problem-solving
• The freedom to find and create a solution that works for your family

When might the approach not be suitable?

The one lawyer, one couple approach might not be suitable if:

• You feel that you need a lawyer to be “on your side” because there is a significant power imbalance in your relationship or one of you feels unable to make decisions freely
• You don’t feel emotionally able to work together 
• There are safeguarding concerns
• Abuse or conflict has been a significant feature in your relationship

There may be additional reasons which your lawyer identifies that mean one lawyer, one couple is unsuitable but this would be explored as part of an initial scoping meeting.

What about finalising an agreement already in hand?

Where you and your ex have already come to an agreement, Mills & Reeve also offer a cost effective, fixed price service to convert your agreement into a binding court order. This approach is also open to those who might have more complicated financial circumstances where we can offer a bespoke fee proposal.

The Pep and Cristina decision (given the presumption of the wealth generated by Pep’s illustrious career) clearly demonstrates the fact that the “one lawyer, one couple” process is suitable for all sorts of cases regardless of the level of wealth or complexity of assets. And remember - one lawyer, one couple is not just for financial settlements; it can also be very successfully used to sort out arrangements for children. 

For couples who are aligned in their interests, committed to working together amicably and keen to avoid conflict in what is undoubtedly an emotionally charged process, the “one lawyer, one couple” approach can only be a sensible option to explore.

Whether you need support to reach an agreement, or you need help turning your agreement into a binding court order, our team of one lawyer, one couple specialists will be happy to explain how the process works. Get in touch with them by telephone or by filling this contact form.

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