Alasdair Poole joined THP Solicitors in October 2025 and has worked for law firms since 2019.
What is one key piece of advice you would give to someone considering a divorce?
Sometimes I speak to people whose relationship is at an end, and whilst they want a divorce, the thought of entering into a legal process that will take months seems too intimidating, and they put it off.
Obviously, if you feel your relationship could be saved, it might make sense to delay issuing proceedings, but if you are stalling just because you are worried about the process, remember that lawyers like us are here to support you. The sooner you start the divorce process, the sooner you and your ex-partner can start afresh and move on with your lives.
Delaying doesn’t solve the problem; it just pushes it down the road and can actually make things more complicated.
What is the most common issue when couples split up?
Bringing too much emotion into the legal process. Of course, a relationship coming to an end is bound to be emotional, especially if you feel wronged, but ‘No-fault’ divorce removed the blame game from legal proceedings.
The Court is dispassionate and doesn’t really take into consideration who did what to whom when making decisions, especially regarding the splitting of joint assets. It’s all about what is fair and reasonable in the eyes of the law. You may feel like you don’t want to ‘give in’ on principle, but your solicitor is there to guide you and help you make the best rational decisions at an emotional time
How do you switch off?
I am a long-time supporter of Wycombe Wanderers Football Club and attend as many games as I can (or my girlfriend will let me!). I’d like to say it was relaxing, but as any sports supporter will know, it can actually be quite stressful, with highs and lows. But it is all-encompassing and a great distraction.
You can find out more about Alasdair here.
OUR DIVORCE & FAMILY LAW TEAM
Our divorce & family law solicitors in Henley & Reading provide sensitive and practical solutions, whether you are marriage, in a civil partnership or an unmarried couple, to help both parties to move on with minimum animosity.
On the occasions when agreement cannot be reached, we are able to guide our clients through the Court process to protect their interests. Our advice is always provided with the support, discretion and sensitivity that our clients require.
Every case we deal with is handled by a highly qualified family lawyer, some of whom are trained in collaborative law, and our family team includes members of:
- Resolution (formerly the Solicitors Family Law Association)
- Law Society’s Family Law Accreditation Scheme
- Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation Scheme
With this on-going commitment to the provision of professional divorce and family law advice, helping matters be resolved fairly and with the minimum of fuss, we have seen our family law expertise grow from one solicitor in 1998, to a team of family solicitors across two offices in Reading and Henley on Thames. This gives you the choice of being represented by lawyers with different areas of specialism, seniority and personality.
At THP Solicitors, we take every care to help our clients minimise conflict, protect their family and start to regain control of their lives. Central to our approach is our long and valuable experience in collaborative practice. This way of working helps everyone to focus on the overall needs of the family, and to achieve a negotiated agreement outside of the Courts where possible.
We can support and guide you through the process and find the divorce route which is best for you. This might be negotiations through solicitors, collaborative law or an application the Court.
Please contact Julia Drury on e: j.drury@thpsolicitors.co.uk or Richard Rodway on e: r.rodway@thpsolicitors.co.uk or call us on READING: 0118 975 6622 or HENLEY: 01491 570 900