Knowledge and resources

Client care is an essential part of a lawyer’s role and is the very first topic dealt with in the SRA Code of Conduct. It is subject to regulatory control due to the importance of the relationship for the client, who may not have had any reason to consult a lawyer in the past.

Written correspondence, such as emails or letters, is still the main method of communication in family disputes. The impact of letters and emails can be significant; therefore, consider who the recipient is and what you hope to achieve with the communication.

The family is not just heteronormative (straight) couples who have their own children; it likely never was. The prevalence of 'alternative' or 'modern' families is more mainstream and accounts for more than 5% of the population. There will be locations in the UK, eg Brighton, Manchester and London where that percentage is much higher. This Guidance Note is a resource for members to help increase the understanding around language and culture but you are encouraged to do your own research.

The introduction, development and evolution of new methods of resolving family disputes for changing families means there is a need for us all to look at how we communicate as members of Resolution; with our clients, with other members, with our clients’ former partners if they are not represented by a lawyer, with other members of our clients’ families, with other non-member lawyers, barristers, judges, mediators and arbitrators and more widely within the family justice system. Poor communication accounts for the largest number of complaints received by Resolution.

YRes Conference 2022: Language Matters! This workshop highlighted ongoing issues with the language and tone used in family dispute resolution, and provided an array of practical tips for written communications

Here you can find Resolution's collection of Good Practice Guides, Guidance Notes and Handbooks designed to advise our members of good practice when carrying out their work.

It goes without saying we all want to practice law and dispute resolution in a non-discriminatory and culturally sensitive way. Beliefs, values and institutions are often specific to ethnic, racial and religious groups. Being culturally competent is part of our professionalism. Without this awareness we are amateurs and risk being ineffective in meeting the needs of our clients and securing the solutions that are required long term.

The aim of this Guidance Note is to explore different values and practices, and in doing so, to help you improve the experience of your clients in whatever process you practice, in respect of their faith, culture and belief.

In this article for The Review Gemma Hope reports back on the "Using words well: how we can find solutions through language" workshop from the DR Conference 2019

Rein Sikveland presented the following talk as part of one of our Code in Practice events in September 2019.

James Knight, founder of iMA, and two members of Resolution talk about how better understanding a client's communication style or comfort zone can help you in your work as a family practitioner.