Real Outcomes from Our Practice
How our thoughtful approach helps families reach clarity and resolution during difficult transitions.
Return HomeWhat Families Experience
The outcomes we support families in achieving span several important areas. While each situation is unique, these are the typical results people work toward with our guidance.
Legal Clarity
Understanding your legal position and options, with realistic expectations about timescales and processes. Knowing what decisions need to be made and when.
Child Wellbeing
Arrangements that prioritise children's stability and relationships with both parents. Solutions that adapt to family needs and developmental stages.
Financial Security
Fair division of assets that considers both immediate needs and long-term security. Understanding pension implications and housing requirements.
Emotional Progress
Moving from uncertainty to confidence. Feeling heard and supported through difficult decisions. Reduced conflict and stress over time.
What the Data Shows
Over seven years of practice, we've gathered meaningful information about how our approach supports families. These figures reflect our commitment to constructive resolution.
What these numbers mean:
Most families we work with find that a constructive approach reduces both stress and costs. When parents can communicate about their children's needs, arrangements tend to be more sustainable. Financial transparency and realistic advice help people reach agreements that work for their circumstances.
How Our Approach Works in Practice
These examples show how we apply our methodology to different situations. Details have been changed to protect confidentiality, but the approaches and outcomes are representative of our work.
Scenario: Complex Financial Settlement with Business Interests
The Challenge
A couple separating after 18 years, with one partner running a successful consultancy business. They needed to divide assets fairly whilst protecting the business's viability. The non-business-owning partner was concerned about long-term financial security, particularly regarding pension provision.
Our Approach
We arranged for an independent business valuation and pension report to establish the full financial picture. Rather than pushing for immediate court proceedings, we facilitated structured negotiation with both parties' solicitors present. We explained how courts typically approach business assets and pension sharing, helping both parties understand realistic outcomes.
The Outcome
Agreement reached through negotiation within five months. The business remained intact with the operating partner, whilst the other received a larger share of property equity and pension provision. Both parties avoided the stress and cost of court proceedings, and the settlement reflected their respective contributions and needs.
Scenario: Child Arrangements with Communication Difficulties
The Challenge
Two parents struggling to agree on arrangements for their two children, aged 7 and 10. Previous attempts at direct communication had broken down. One parent wanted equal time-sharing; the other felt the children needed more stability in one home during the school week.
Our Approach
We supported both parents through family mediation, helping them focus on the children's routines and needs rather than their own positions. We provided information about how courts consider children's ages and school commitments. When mediation produced a draft agreement, we helped formalise it into a parenting plan with clear arrangements and review points.
The Outcome
The children now spend weekdays with one parent and alternate weekends plus half the school holidays with the other. The arrangement includes flexibility for special occasions and will be reviewed as the children get older. Both parents feel the pattern works for their circumstances, and communication has improved through having a clear framework.
Scenario: Straightforward Divorce with Property Division
The Challenge
A couple married for 12 years with no children, owning a mortgaged property together. Both earning similar incomes. They had agreed to separate but needed guidance on the legal process and fair division of their home and savings.
Our Approach
We explained the divorce process timeline and documentation requirements clearly. For the financial side, we outlined options for the property: selling and dividing proceeds, or one buying out the other. We helped them understand the mortgage implications of each option and supported them in reaching their own agreement.
The Outcome
Divorce finalised within six months. They chose to sell the property and divide the proceeds equally after mortgage settlement. Savings were split proportionally to contributions. The process was straightforward because both parties knew what to expect and felt the outcome was fair. Total legal costs were kept minimal through their cooperation.
Scenario: Modification of Existing Child Arrangements
The Challenge
Existing arrangement made when children were younger no longer suited their current needs. The older child, now 14, wanted more input into the schedule. One parent's work circumstances had changed, affecting their availability.
Our Approach
We helped both parents understand how courts view children's wishes at different ages and the importance of listening to teenagers. We facilitated discussions that included considering the older child's preferences whilst maintaining consistency for the younger sibling. The focus was on adapting the arrangement rather than starting from scratch.
The Outcome
Modified arrangement agreed that gives the older child more flexibility whilst keeping a predictable schedule for the younger one. The pattern now better fits the parents' current work commitments and the children's activities. The agreement includes provision for further adjustments as circumstances change.
What to Expect on Your Journey
Progress happens in stages. Understanding the typical path helps you know what to expect, though your specific timeline will depend on your circumstances.
Understanding Your Position
You'll gain clarity about your legal rights and the processes ahead. Most people feel less anxious once they understand what to expect. We'll discuss your priorities and concerns, and outline realistic timescales.
Typical timeframe: First few weeks
Gathering Information
We'll work together to compile necessary documentation and understand the full picture. This stage involves financial disclosure, understanding family circumstances, and identifying key issues to address. You'll start to see a clearer picture of possible outcomes.
Typical timeframe: 1-3 months
Working Toward Agreement
Whether through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings, this is when solutions take shape. You'll make decisions with full information and appropriate support. The focus is on reaching outcomes that work for your family.
Typical timeframe: 2-6 months
Finalising Arrangements
Agreements are formalised into legally binding orders. You'll have clarity about your financial position, child arrangements, or other matters we've addressed. Most people feel relieved to have definite outcomes and can start planning their next steps.
Typical timeframe: 4-12 months from start
Beyond the Legal Process
The outcomes we help families reach are designed to be sustainable. Here's what tends to happen after matters are legally concluded.
Child Arrangements That Adapt
Well-considered arrangements tend to evolve naturally as children grow. Parents who've worked constructively often find it easier to make adjustments together when circumstances change. The foundation of clear communication established during the legal process continues to serve families well.
Financial Stability
Settlements that consider both immediate needs and longer-term security help people rebuild their financial lives. Understanding pension provisions, housing equity, and income requirements means people can plan ahead with confidence. Fair agreements feel fair over time, reducing the likelihood of future disputes.
Reduced Conflict
Families who reach resolution through constructive processes often maintain better communication. When people feel heard and treated fairly, they're more likely to cooperate on future matters. This is particularly valuable for co-parenting relationships that will continue for years.
Moving Forward
Once legal matters are settled, most people find they can focus on rebuilding their lives. Having clear boundaries and agreements removes ongoing uncertainty. While the transition period has challenges, knowing these are resolved allows people to look ahead rather than remaining stuck in the past.
Why These Outcomes Last
Sustainable results come from thoughtful processes, not rushed solutions. Here's what contributes to outcomes that work long-term.
Built on Understanding
When both parties understand the full financial picture and legal context, agreements feel fair. Transparency reduces suspicion and creates a foundation for trust, even in difficult circumstances.
Child-Centred Approach
Arrangements focused on children's needs rather than parents' positions tend to work better over time. Children's wellbeing provides common ground even when parents disagree on other matters.
Realistic Expectations
We help people understand what courts would likely order, which frames negotiations realistically. Agreements reached with clear information about alternatives are more satisfactory than those based on unrealistic hopes.
Room for Adaptation
Good agreements anticipate future changes. Including review mechanisms and flexibility helps arrangements evolve with circumstances rather than breaking down when situations change.
Constructive Process
How you reach agreement matters as much as the agreement itself. Processes that maintain respect and reduce conflict help people maintain working relationships afterward, particularly important for co-parents.
Proper Formalisation
Legally binding orders provide certainty and enforceability. While we favour negotiation, we ensure agreements are properly recorded to avoid future disputes about what was agreed.
Proven Track Record in Bristol Family Law
Harbour Resolve has supported families across Bristol and the Southwest since 2018, building a reputation for clear communication and constructive outcomes. Our approach combines thorough legal knowledge with understanding of the emotional challenges families face during separation and divorce.
We've handled over 300 cases involving divorce proceedings, child arrangement orders, and financial settlements. Our solicitors hold Law Society family law accreditation and maintain ongoing professional development in mediation and collaborative practice. This combination of credentials and practical experience means we understand both what the law requires and what families need.
What sets our practice apart is the consistent feedback that clients feel informed and supported throughout their legal matters. We measure success not just by legal outcomes, but by whether families feel they reached fair solutions with minimal unnecessary conflict. The majority of our cases resolve through negotiation rather than contested court proceedings, reflecting our commitment to constructive resolution wherever possible.
See What's Possible for Your Situation
Every family's circumstances are different. If you'd like to understand what outcomes might be realistic for your situation, we're here to provide that clarity. An initial conversation helps you see the path ahead more clearly.
Discuss Your Circumstances