A BETTER WAY TO DIVORCE
Reverse what you think you know about divorce: we’re doing it completely differently.
THE PROBLEM
Until we came along, divorcing couples had two options:
1. Work it out themselves, with friends, or online tools, but without proper legal advice.
2. Each appoint separate solicitors, whose legal advice will not be shared because of client privilege.
So couples were forced either to make far reaching decisions without legal advice, or are channelled into an adversarial process.
OUR SOLUTION
We offer couples a third option: joint advice from one impartial and expert family law barrister. This turns the current model on its head. If you are given, together, an impartial expert assessment of the outcome a Judge will consider fair, you are far more likely to reach a mutually acceptable settlement than risk lengthy and expensive litigation which is out of your control.
Because our process is confidential and constructive, it is suitable for couples at all stages, from those only considering separation to those already engaged in divorce litigation.
OUR SERVICE
We give you expert legal advice together. We have access to a wealth of talent, including King’s Counsel. Our process has been designed so it can adapt to each couple’s particular situation. Because of this we help couples from a wide range of financial circumstances, from modest to UHNW cases. But the fundamentals of our process remain the same: we work with you both, together, and we always provide a fixed fee quote for the full service before you commit.
Our barristers are in court on a daily basis, seeing what Judges do in cases like yours, which is the perspective you need. Because you are jointly instructing the same barrister, there is no imbalance of power. We empower our couples, setting out the likely outcome at the earliest stage so they can reach a fair deal. Throughout, you are both supported by one of our in-house solicitors.
ONE COUPLE ONE LAWYER
We don’t work on hourly rates. Our streamlined process ensures you get targeted, expert legal advice only where you need it. As a result we offer fixed fees, and total costs which are a fraction of what you would pay in traditional, two-sided litigation, without compromising at all on the level of expertise.
By working with couples to identify the issues at the earliest stage, we guide you through disclosure to advice in what can be as little as 6-8 weeks, far quicker than the court process. We are regulated by the Bar Standards Board, as are our barristers, to give you complete peace of mind.
PROFESSIONAL TESTIMONIALS
“The Divorce Surgery is a striking example of what can be achieved by those with the vision to see outside traditional approaches. Samantha Woodham and Harry Gates are to be congratulated for their bold innovation, which we should all wish well and hope to see extended.”
Sir James Munby, former President of the Family Division
“The judges felt that the service developed by the winning entrants offered a simple human solution to a complex human problem… The judges were struck by the way that this service puts the customer first, empowering people to reach a fair agreement.”
Judges at Lexis Nexis Legal Awards 2020
“A truly innovative model, using AI to respond to client demand to be seen together and to ‘co-own’ all the information, which minimises the likelihood of conflict and gives couples an equal understanding of outcomes.”
Judge at the Family Law Awards 2019
“A standout example of a common sense and long overdue improvement in client service that has an impact on innumerable everyday lives.”
Judge at The Lawyer Awards 2019
“Truly innovative use of law, common sense and technology.”
Judge at the Legal Week Innovation Awards 2019
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“The service provided by The Divorce Surgery has been excellent. The whole divorce process, particularly the division of our finances, has been made as stress-free as possible as a direct result of the way The Divorce Surgery functions. [bg_collapse view=”link-inline” color=”#fff” inline_css=”text-align:center; font-weight:bold;” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ] It has meant that the relationship between myself and my husband has remained amicable, we both feel like we have a fair deal and we can continue to co-parent effectively as a result. I believe that this would have been a different story had we continued with two separate solicitors. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend The Divorce Surgery to anyone in need of this service.”
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From one of our couples
“Simply put, excellent… our barrister had clearly given our case a lot of thought, care, and consideration. She was patient with me when I was getting emotional, she was kind, and she is obviously a complete master of her profession. [bg_collapse view=”link-inline” color=”#fff” inline_css=”text-align:center; font-weight:bold;” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ] She gave us time to discuss things and I didn’t feel rushed at any point despite the fact that we went over the planned amount of time. She dealt with us in a sensitive and kind manner which is really appreciated. “
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From one of our couples
“We enjoyed the session and meeting our advising barrister. He was balanced, even-handed and clear.”
From one of our couples
