10/11/2025
Keith Bull
As we mark Good Divorce Week 2025 (10-14 November), Keith Bull, family law solicitor at Russell & Russell Solicitors, highlights what it truly means to be a Resolution member and how the Resolution Code of Practice shapes the way we support families through separation and divorce.
What is Resolution, and Why Is it important?
Resolution is a community of family law professionals committed to a constructive, non-confrontational approach to family law. Members of Resolution sign up to a Code of Practice that puts the wellbeing of families, particularly children, at the forefront of everything we do. This means that we focus on reducing conflict, encourage cooperation, and find solutions that work for the whole family, not just one side.
What Does the Resolution Code of Practice Mean in Practical Terms?
The Code of Practice is at the core of how we, as members approach our work. It means we are committed to:
- Reducing or managing any conflict and confrontation
- Encouraging solutions that consider the needs of the whole family
- Putting children’s wellbeing first in all decisions
- Being sensitive about the emotional aspects of family breakdown
- Dealing with issues in a constructive and cost-effective way
- Avoiding the court process where possible
- Listening to and treating everyone with respect and without judgment
In practice, this might mean helping our clients through family mediation before litigation, focusing on what’s best for the children rather than gaining an advantage over the other party, or helping clients communicate more effectively with their ex-partner.
How Does a Collaborative Approach Benefit Clients Going Through a Divorce?
Going through a divorce is often one of the most difficult situations someone can face. Our clients often come to us feeling emotional, stressed, and sometimes angry. Our family lawyers support the Resolution Code of Practice and are trained to de-escalate conflict, to look for collaborative solutions, and to maintain the long-term wellbeing of the family in focus. We won’t encourage an adversarial approach just for the sake of it. This approach typically results in:
- Solutions that avoid court proceedings and reduce legal costs
- Reduced parental conflict resulting in better outcomes for children
- Solutions that both parties can live with, rather than having court orders imposed
- Faster resolution in many cases
- Less emotional impact for everyone involved
What Does a Good Divorce Mean?
Good Divorce Week is a reminder that there is such a thing as a “good” divorce, not in the sense that it’s a pleasant experience, but in how it is handled, with dignity, respect, and care for everyone involved, especially children. The way you separate matters just as much as the legal outcome, and we can help you protect your interests while finding a path that avoids damaging relationships beyond repair. Our family law solicitors will guide you through this difficult time with empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to finding constructive solutions.
Family Law Solicitors
All Russell & Russell’s family solicitors are specialists in their field and adhere to the Resolution Code of Conduct. We can guide you through the complexities of family law, helping you make informed decisions to ensure the wellbeing of you and your family.
And, if you have an emergency situation, you can contact us out of office hours on our 24-hour helpline.
You can also find some useful information in our Family Law news section.
Russell & Russell also holds family law accreditations, including The Law Society's Advanced Family Law Accreditation and Child Law Accreditation, which require members to demonstrate that they have and will maintain the required level of competence and knowledge, as defined by the Law Society, in the areas of family law and Child Law.
Learn more about our Family Law and Divorce Solicitors.
About Keith Bull – Professional and Personal Background
Career Journey
1. How did you first become interested in family law, and what drew you to this area of practice?
When I was at school, I wanted to be a journalist and attend courts to report on cases. I attended college and took “O” Level Law, in which Family Law was covered. My interests in Family Law and a career as a Solicitor developed from there.
2. How long have you been practising family law, and what have been some of the most significant changes you've seen in the field during your career?
I have practised family law since qualifying as a solicitor on 15 November 1990. I believe that most significant changes in the family law field have been:
- No-Fault Divorce – the previous system was confrontational and upsetting for parties where one party would need to raise allegations, such as unreasonable behaviour or adultery. As a result of campaigns by Resolution the No-Fault Divorce system was introduced, which has led to the introduction of the “Good Divorce,” which is in-line with the Code of Practice by reducing conflict and less emotional impact for everyone involved.
- Financial Dispute Resolution [FDR] hearings – In the past the parties would proceed straight to a contested and emotionally charged final hearing after exchanging financial documentation. At the FDR hearings the parties receive indications from a District Judge on how they would resolve the case, which is designed to facilitate an agreement between the parties and avoid a final hearing before another Judge. As a result of the FDR hearings far more cases settle and avoid a costly final hearing. The system has been so successful that FDR hearings have been introduced in some Civil Litigation cases such as unmarried property disputes, which are known as Early Neutral Evaluation [ENE] hearings.
- Costs – in most financial divorce cases both parties pay their own costs. In the past we had Calderbank Offers whereby an offer would be made and if the recipient failed to beat the offer costs would be awarded against them from the date the offer was made, which resulted in further emotionally charged final hearings where the party would try and achieve a costs order against the other party, as well as a settlement.
- Non-Court Dispute Resolution [NCDR] – the current system is committed to resolving cases with minimal conflict and to save significant costs by ensuring that NCDR is considered for most cases at the outset before court proceedings can be instigated. Types of NCDR are mediation; arbitration and collaborative law.
3. Can you tell us about your journey to Russell & Russell? What attracted you to the firm?
I have worked for various firms in Berkshire, including a firm in Maidenhead where I completed my two years training as an Articled Clerk, who are now known as Trainee Solicitors, and then 10 years in Windsor. I then moved to further my career in the South West of England and eventually ended up in Greater Manchester area. I was attracted to Russell & Russell due to their reputation; size and geographical locations. I live in Tameside and commute to Bolton. I frequently travel to the Chester office to meet clients and assist the members of my team.
4. How long have you been with Russell & Russell, and what do you enjoy most about working here?
I joined Russell & Russell in August 2025 and enjoy most the ability to work on my own initiative in developing the team and working with highly competent and professional team members. It is also a pleasure to work within a firm where everyone supports each other, and you are met with a smile every day!
5. What qualifications and accreditations do you hold in family law?
I qualified as a solicitor in 1990. I am an accredited family law specialist with Resolution in four areas of family law, which are complex financial divorce disputes; unmarried property disputes; private children cases and domestic abuse. I am one of only 3 solicitors in the Greater Manchester area who are accredited by Resolution for cohabitation and unmarried property disputes. I am also an Advanced Member of the Law Society’s Family Law Panel. I am also a recognised Collaborative Law specialist by Resolution. A Collaborative Law case is where the parties and their solicitors are committed to resolving a case outside the court arena. If the parties with input from their solicitors do not resolve the case, the parties will then instruct new solicitors to represent them in contested proceedings.
About Resolution Membership
6. When did you first become a Resolution member, and what motivated you to join?
I have been a member of Resolution for over 20 years. I was motivated to join as I believed in their Code of Practice to resolve cases on an amicable and non-confrontational approach. Resolution is also a recognised and respected organisation within the field of family law
7. How has your Resolution training influenced the way you approach family law cases?
The Resolution training and approach has influenced me to deal with cases in a sympathetic manner and to understand the client’s needs at the outset to resolve cases with less conflict and less emotional impact. I am also trained to ensure that the client has a full understanding of the law; likely outcome and an estimate of costs at the outset and throughout the case. I ensure that the client has regular Case and Cost Review Letters.
About Keith's Approach to Family Law
8. What would you say is your personal philosophy when it comes to helping clients through divorce or separation?
My personal philosophy is to always treat all clients with empathy and respect, when they are at a stage in life which is highly emotional and challenging for them, and they are in need of empathy and professional guidance at the outset to the final conclusion.
9. Family law can be emotionally challenging. How do you support clients who are going through one of the most difficult times in their lives?
I support the clients by ensuring that there is regular communication and make myself available to assist and advise throughout the case. I am also committed to providing honest and objective advice about the potential outcome throughout the case.
10. What's the most common misconception people have about divorce that you find yourself correcting?
The most common misconception about divorce is that a party should be awarded a larger settlement due to the behaviour of the other party. Conduct is unlikely to have an impact upon a final settlement, unless there is a link between the conduct and financial consequences, such as disposing of assets to defeat the other party’s claim. Another misconception is that an unmarried party is entitled to property owned by one party due to them being the “common law husband or wife”, which is totally untrue.
11. How do you balance being an advocate for your client while also promoting a constructive, non-confrontational approach?
I consider the non-court dispute resolution [NCDR] approach at the first consultation to ensure that clients have advice on promoting a constructive outcome and saving significant costs, and reduce emotions, outside the court arena. I advise on the advantages of NCDR to resolve the case with minimal costs; far quicker and that it is far better to compromise a case, rather than having an outcome imposed by a Judge, especially when discussing arrangements in respect of children.
Working with Russell & Russell
12. What makes the family law team at Russell & Russell different from other firms?
The family law team promotes a constructive approach to all family issues by being client focused and empathetic throughout. We all follow the Resolution Code of Practice to resolve cases in an amicable and non-adversarial manner by considering all options at the outset and managing client’s expectations, on likely outcomes and potential costs.
13. How does Russell & Russell's commitment to Resolution principles benefit the clients you work with?
Our commitment to Resolution’s principles benefits the clients by approaching all cases to ensure that they are resolved in an amicable and conciliatory manner. We ensure that the client has a full understanding of the relevant area of the law; likely costs and outcomes to manage the client’s expectations. We avoid emotive language and are committed to achieving the right outcome for the clients.
14. Can you tell us about the support and resources available within Russell & Russell that help you deliver the best outcomes for clients?
The support and resources available within Russell & Russell include each Team being managed by highly experienced solicitors who have completed rigorous assessments that have tested their expertise and the way they work with clients, as members of specialist panels such as the Law Society’s Advanced Family Law and Children Panels, as well as accreditation to the Resolution Panel. All team members are supported; mentored and supervised by highly experienced solicitors. We have a support team to help all clients at a time when emotions are high, and they are in need of professional advice and assistance to resolving the case with minimal conflict and upset. We ensure that clients are confident that their case is being dealt with in a professional and friendly manner, so that all clients can be confident that we have their family’s best interests at heart.
Personal Touch
15. Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my spare time I enjoy keep fit on my running machine, mountain biking and country walks, as well as holidays to various locations at home and abroad. I follow most sports in particular football and rugby union. I am a lifetime supporter of Watford FC.
16. Is there anything about you that clients might be surprised to learn?
Over the years I have had many clients tell me that they feel like they’re seeing the dentist – worried and anxious! Once they meet me, I allay their fears with a friendly down to earth and honest appointment.
17. What keeps you motivated and passionate about family law after all these years?
I have always wanted to help people in their time of need when emotions are high, and they are concerned for the future. I am passionate about my work to promote an amicable and non-confrontational approach throughout the case to manage emotions and avoid bitterness at all times, and uphold the Resolution Code of Conduct, as well as following the Resolution Good Practice Guides and the Law Society’s Family Law Protocol.
Please note that this article is meant as general guidance and not intended as legal or professional advice. Updates to the law may have changed since this article was published.