16
April
Client Testimonial
Another warm review for Francine Bristo
“Thanks for all your help with this, you have made this whole process very easy”.
Ms S
Another warm review for Francine Bristo
“Thanks for all your help with this, you have made this whole process very easy”.
Ms S
It’s not true that there is no such thing as a good divorce. Although any separation is a cause for some sadness, it’s also clear that when the couple in question is on friendly terms and doing everything in their power to base the divorce process on fairness and cooperation, then the experience can be tolerable, or even harmonious.
1. Commit at the outset to breaking up amicably. Essentially, any break-up is as amicable as both partners want it to be. Obviously, if the split is something that both partners want equally, then the chances of keeping it civil and cooperative are much, much higher. If one partner wants it less, then keeping everything on good terms becomes much harder. Just remember that you have nothing to gain by making things more difficult than they need be, and if you make things hard for your partner, you’re also making them hard
Top Tips for your first meeting with your solicitor.
We understand it is a difficult to decision on whether to start divorce proceedings and deciding to consult a family law solicitor can be the hardest step to take. Even if you are not sure what you want to do, we can offer valuable, impartial advice in an initial meeting which will help you work things out.
These are some things to consider, when coming to see us, to make sure you get the best out of the meeting.
Make time
There will be a lot you wish to discuss, and there will be a lot to take in. Leave plenty of time to get all of your thoughts together and make sure you don’t have to rush off anywhere. You will find it difficult to focus if your eye is on the clock. Also, allow yourself some time after the meeting to reflect on
An amazing testimonial for our Pauline O’Rourke…
“I have just had a really horrible year and Pauline has been amazing, she has literally got me through this. She is so knowledgeable very, honest about things which she wasn’t able to guarantee would happen and offered me several options possible outcomes. I felt entirely comfortable talking to her on the phone very easy to talk to and really felt that she was genuinely fighting my corner with everything she had, I certainly had a far better financial outcome than I would have got if I hadn’t got her.
Pauline knew how hard to push things and when we were at the best possible outcome, and advised me accordingly. My son and I have got hope now to get back on the home owner ladder in a better area and probably an extra bedroom too and I will be able to move neared to
Do I need a Consent Order?
Some clients who are divorced or are in the process of getting divorced ask whether they need a consent order.
Where you have agreed how you will deal with the divorce finances (even where you decide not to make any claims against each other) the answer is in most cases, yes. If you have been unable to agree on how the finances should be dealt with you should seek legal advice to discuss your options further. Surprisingly many people go to the trouble of getting divorced but do not end their financial relationship with their spouse which can result in unnecessary future stress and complication.
Spouses, as a result of their marriage have financial claims against each other and they are not brought to an end by the decree absolute. The most usual way to conclude your financial claims against each other is by a court order.
The Pandemic and Divorce
COVID 19 and the subsequent lockdowns have undoubtedly had an affect on peoples lives. The lockdown has led to many different stresses in each household, tensions running high perhaps with both partners having to work from home and finding the space to do that, as well as sharing the responsibility of home schooling.
These pressures have caused immense difficulties to many relationships and those with cracks already have really felt the additional pressure on them.
For some the loss of their daily work routine or the loss of their job has brought additional financial stress to the household.
For some the pandemic has led to a re evaluation of their lives and their focus and are seeking new horizons.
We have found that for clients who are seeking a divorce in these difficult times they want the divorce dealt with as smoothy and swiftly as possible. The burden of a global
Our Amy Trevellick continues her series discussing mediation.
Mediation and Dealing with Finances
I don’t trust my ex to be honest about their income / finances – is it worth me attending mediation?
When discussing financial arrangements at mediation, almost all mediators will require an exchange of financial information before any substantive discussions start. This is often done on the same form that is used in court proceedings (a Form E Financial Statement) so the level of information available to you in mediation is the same as it would be in court. This can be a cost effective way of exchanging information as it is often cheaper than using a solicitor to prepare the forms. Even if you do not reach an agreement with your ex at mediation, you can take the financial information to a solicitor to advise you on the next steps.
Mediation relies on the parties being open and
What is mediation and why should I go?
There is common misconception that family mediation is like couples counselling. This is not correct. The purpose of mediation is not to try and save the relationship (although of course, if there is any desire to do that, you can be referred to someone who can help). Mediation is about providing an impartial and non-judgmental environment where you can make arrangements with your ex-partner about your children, money, divorce, or all three. Discussions at mediation are confidential and any proposals you make during mediation cannot be relied upon or referred to if you later end up in court proceedings. This is to encourage open discussions without the fear of it being used against you later on.
What is the role of the mediator?
Although many mediators are also family lawyers, their role in mediation is not to advise you (either individually or together) but
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