Ian Waller talks with Family Lawyer Victoria Barnett about One Family Law’s first year
The team at One Family Law recently celebrated its first year at Rengen House in Bath, a co-working space close to the city centre. For One Family Law partner and family lawyer, Victoria Barnett, it’s been a busy 12 months that has seen the practice guiding couples and families through the complexities of divorce and separation, using the streamlined and efficient process of ‘One Couple, One Solicitor’.
“We recognised that the new ‘One Couple, One Solicitor’ law came in, it provided the opportunity for couples to resolve problems in a grounded, sensible, efficient and open way, which in a majority of ways will benefit both parties,” explained Victoria. “By starting our own practice, it has allowed us to do things in a way that we think works best for everyone concerned.”
Victoria founded One Family Law with fellow lawyer and family expert Tina Marshall-Kelliher, after working together for other local law practices and then deciding to branch out on their own.
“We chose Rengen House as a base because it provides great facilities, as well as different spaces where we can work and greet clients. A year ago as a start-up business, Rengen offered us the chance to rent somewhere central while also mixing with other professionals which provides a perfect business community.
“It also helps that Jo and Daisy, the Rengen management team, are so welcoming to our clients, plus it’s very good coffee here!”
Rengen House is divided over three floors, offering a combination of communal spaces, where the variety of businesses that call it home can work and mix, as well as more traditional desks and meeting rooms.
“Our clients also really like the venue as it doesn’t feel corporate – instead the space is friendly and secure,” added Victoria. “This is so important for us as we’re clearly seeing couples at a particularly sensitive time and it’s important that they can be at ease when we meet.”
Victoria explained that the One Couple, One Solicitor arrangement allows for one solicitor to represent both parties in an amicable manner, with couples now able to opt for a single solicitor to assist them in navigating the process together.
“It’s an arrangement that allows us to offer neutral advice to both parties at the same time. In fact, every client we have suggested it to has continued with the process. It’s a process that means if you can build a good relationship, you’ll get a better solution
“By working on sensitive procedures together it sets a more grounded tone. When the parties involved have children, it’s good to model reasonable behaviour to them and show that both parties can still talk and work together.
“While it is inevitably a sad process, it’s also something that helps both sides alleviate their fears and piece the puzzle back together again in a way that works for both parties. This often turns into a fulfilling, less damaging and ultimately wholesome outcome.
“Yes, there are certain red flags that make this process impossible, such as domestic violence, but actually both parties don’t have to be friendly to be constructive, just able to work together.”
“This aside, It can be refreshing for everyone involved to see both sides of a situation and be able to find a middle road. Also, if they think it’s necessary, either side is free to take independent advice during the process.”
For more information about the services offered by Victoria and Tina at One Family Law, go to onefamilylawsolicitors.com
