Kristy Underwood has a breadth of experience that ensures a well-rounded, client-focused approach. She is a traditional family lawyer with extensive expertise in handling complex family matters and is also trained as a Resolution Together neutral lawyer, allowing her to advise both couples in a separation. Kristy is a qualified family mediator, accredited civil and commercial mediator, and accredited workplace mediator, demonstrating her ability to resolve disputes across a variety of contexts. This diverse skill set ensures she can provide tailored, empathetic support to clients in challenging situations. Kristy is also able to offer a streamlined and cost-effective service by dealing with most of her own advocacy under the traditional family lawyer approach.
Kristy has been practising since 1993 and holds Family Law Accreditation through The Law Society, is the only Chartered Legal Executive holding Litigator & Advocate status through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives in both litigation and family proceedings giving her independent practice rights and extended rights of audience in the county and family courts. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, reflecting her strategic management and leadership. Her specialism relates to business interests and cases involving pensions. To learn more about Kristy’s work and qualifications, visit her profile on the stevensdrake website.
Bringing Resolution Together to Crawley
Kristy’s expertise introduces the Resolution Together model to the region, offering separating couples a modern and collaborative approach to resolving issues such as finances, property, and child arrangements.
The Resolution Together model allows couples to work with a single neutral lawyer, fostering cooperation and minimising conflict. stevensdrake is now able to offer this service alongside its traditional divorce and separation services, working closely with clients to find the approach which suits them best.
Kristy commented:
"I’m passionate about making family law more accessible and compassionate. The Resolution Together approach empowers couples to navigate separation collaboratively, saving time, reducing costs, while dealing with matters on an amicable basis. I’m thrilled to join stevensdrake and lead the way in offering this service to our community."
Why Resolution Together?
Cost-Effective: Couples share one lawyer, significantly reducing legal fees.
Reduced Conflict: A focus on collaboration and mutual respect lowers emotional strain.
Efficient: Streamlined processes and joint meetings lead to quicker resolutions.
Flexible: Couples retain control, with the option to transition to individual representation if necessary.
A Leader in Innovative Family Law Services
stevensdrake’s Head of Family Law, Kamal Vasdev, praised Kristy’s arrival and the new service:
"Resolution Together can be transformative option for separating couples, and Kristy’s experience makes her the ideal advocate for this model. Her dedication to innovative, client-centred solutions aligns perfectly with our vision for family law in Crawley and beyond."
To explore more about the Resolution Together model see here
About stevensdrake
With decades of experience, stevensdrake is a trusted partner for clients seeking practical, empathetic legal solutions. The introduction of Resolution Together reflects the firm’s commitment to pioneering new approaches that make a real difference in people’s lives.
For more information about the Resolution Together or family law and mediation services Kristy provides, please contact:
Kristy Underwood
Family Law Team, stevensdrake Solicitors
Email: kristy.underwood@stevensdrake.com
