Reevaldo and Carolina: Separating well with one lawyer
After dazzling fans on the pitch and settling into life in England, Reevaldo now faces a different kind of challenge - he and his wife Carolina have come to a mutual decision: to separate. Their journey together has seen triumphs and growth, but now they are ready to part ways with respect and understanding at the forefront. Though their pre-nuptial agreement provided some financial clarity, there were still important details to address.
Rather than pursue traditional, adversarial legal routes, Reevaldo and Carolina were drawn to a more collaborative solution: Mills & Reeve’s “Separate well with one lawyer” service.
Choosing one lawyer, together
From the start, both valued the idea of working with a single lawyer. They wanted to avoid the confrontational communication and argument that often arises when each party has separate legal representation. Instead, they chose a process that would allow them to sit together, receive the same legal advice, and resolve matters fairly without resorting to court.
Before committing, each had a private meeting with their lawyer. This assessment meeting ensured the process was suitable for them: there was no history of domestic abuse, no significant power imbalance, and both were emotionally prepared for open negotiation. If any such concerns had surfaced, the lawyer would have recommended alternative approaches to ensure each person’s well-being.
During these initial meetings, the lawyer explained their role: not to advocate for one side, but to advise both parties about the decisions that needed to be taken by them and what a court would likely decide if they were not able to agree, while also allowing for personal and practical preferences. Reevaldo and Carolina could then decide the details of their financial agreement. For Reevaldo, used to high-stakes negotiations and recognising middle ground is often the end point, the transparency was refreshing. Carolina appreciated the collaborative atmosphere and the chance to share her priorities openly.
Structuring the process
Early sessions focused on setting an agenda, pinpointing which issues needed to be resolved. One of the first topics was their beloved dog, Pelé. By establishing a shared arrangement for Pelé, an emotional touchpoint for both, they built a foundation for addressing more complex financial questions.
Working together, they avoided the “he said, she said” dynamic common in adversarial separations. Instead, they concentrated on what mattered: fairness, clarity, and dignity.
To ensure all aspects were covered, they were able to involve other professionals. Reevaldo’s financial adviser joined the initial meetings to clarify his financial situation. Their lawyer also recommended enlisting a pensions on divorce expert to advise on the practical implications of pension sharing. This comprehensive approach left both feeling informed and supported.
Tackling complex finances
One of the most challenging areas was handling Reevaldo’s image rights and sponsorship income. Their pre-nuptial agreement covered his football salary but not the dramatic rise in his personal brand. Recognising Carolina’s role in managing his social media and partnerships, they agreed her contributions should be acknowledged.
With the lawyer’s help, they developed a bespoke arrangement that recognised Carolina’s involvement, while ensuring Reevaldo retained control of his future earnings. This solution reflected both legal fairness and the nuances of their partnership, the kind of outcome the “Separate well with one lawyer” process aims to deliver.
Finalising the agreement
Once agreement was reached, their lawyer drafted all necessary legal documents. Because they worked together throughout, the process was efficient and cost-effective. The one lawyer approach allowed the agreement to be prepared neutrally and thoroughly, avoiding last-minute disputes or amendments.
As their jointly appointed lawyer, rather than a mediator, the lawyer could file all paperwork with the court on their behalf. Like most couples submitting a financial consent order, neither had to appear in court. When the order was granted, their lawyer oversaw the smooth implementation of the terms, sending the pension sharing annex to the pension company and working with the financial adviser to transfer funds as agreed.
A positive example for others
Though famous for his achievements on the field, Reevaldo’s story has always been about integrity and heart. His decision to separate well with one lawyer reflects these values. For couples like Reevaldo and Carolina, who wish to part ways with respect and clarity and without the conflict and expense that adversarial legal negotiations often involve, Mills & Reeve’s service offers a modern, compassionate alternative to traditional divorce proceedings. The process is built on trust, transparency, and the belief that even in separation, unity and understanding are possible. It also reflects the fact that the same law applies to both of a separating couple.
Often, legal conflict arises because each person’s lawyer puts forward their best case based on the factual situation described by their client rather than a realistic one based on a factual situation agreed by both clients.
As Reevaldo embarks on his next chapter, he does so knowing that he and Carolina handled their transition with grace. For others at similar crossroads, their experience serves as a reminder that there is a better way to separate, one marked by dignity, collaboration, and hope for the future.