As a seasoned family law solicitor, Richard Sharp knows well the trepidation with which individuals face divorce. In his experience clients fear a lack of control over their lives, the loss of all they’ve built up, and diminished prospects for the future. Richard focuses his counsel on helping clients regain confidence to move forward with hopefulness and integrity.
Richard strongly advocates a constructive approach to divorce that strives to preserve and not destroy. He has been a leader in the development of Collaborative Law in the UK, and is dedicated to helping separating and divorcing clients avoid the trauma of prolonged conflict by finding solutions that benefit them and their families. Guiding his clients step by step, Richard works to resolve complex financial situations, protect assets acquired over lifetimes, prioritize the needs of children, and reach outcomes that are fair for all parties.
Richard appreciates that every divorce is unique; he brings a breadth of experience to devise fitting solutions for each individual client. Because the decisions of divorce profoundly affect the future, Richard keeps the best interests of his clients at the forefront. As needed, he draws on the expertise of other professionals such as financial and mental health counsellors and child specialists to ensure that settlements address the entire family. Divorce can seem daunting at the start. In every case, Richard’s goal is to secure a future that the client can embrace with growing confidence.
Establishing Sharp Family Law in 2008, Richard has practiced as a solicitor in the specialised field of Family Law and Divorce Court litigation for over 35 years, including 15 years as a partner in a top UK 100 Law Firm. He has trained and practiced in Collaborative Practice and Family Mediation in the UK and the USA, conducting the first intercontinental and inter-jurisdictional Collaborative Practice case with a California Attorney in 2006. He has also trained and practices the One Couple One Solicitor Approach to Divorce.
Away from the office, Richard enjoys watching his beloved Bath Rugby, working out and spending time with family and friends in the UK and USA.
2007 Centre for Mediation in Law, NY, USA, Foundation Training
2004 Resolution Collaborative Practice Foundation Training
1995 Family Mediation Association (FMA), Foundation Training
1981 – 1982 Law Society Final Examination, College of Law, Guildford
1980 – 1981 Law Society Common Professional Examination, Leeds Polytechnic
1977 – 1980 BA (Hons) Economic History, University of Leeds
- Richard conducted the first intercontinental and inter-jurisdictional Collaborative Practice case with a California attorney and has handled a number of Collaborative cases across England
- Richard has helped business owners to preserve what has been built and provide for the next generation
- Richard has represented clients who have relocated themselves and their families to and from USA and have homes and financial assets in both jurisdictions and elsewhere
The Law Society;
The Lawyers Christian Fellowship (LCF);
Resolution, First for Family Law;
The Family Mediators Association (FMA);
The International Academy of Collaborative Practice Professionals (IACP).
Bath & Bristol Collaborative Groups
