18
January
Client Testimonial
A testimonial for Pauline O’Rourke, family solicitor based in Birmingham.
“I just wanted to drop you a quick note to tell you what a fantastic Solicitor Pauline is. I’ve had years of representation that only ever seemed to write letters (and charge me handsomely for it). Pauline’s approach was a breath of fresh air; pro-actively calling the other side and trying to drive my case forward to a conclusion, keeping me informed at each stage about what was happening or could happen. I always feel like there is a plan, and that every eventuality has been catered for. Â
I feel like Pauline genuinely cares for me and my situation. I know that she has much bigger cases and clients but I always feel like I’m her top priority.  Pauline will always be the number I call if I need legal representation for anything in the future.
21
July
What Do I Do If I Have Divorced But My Ex-spouse Dies Shortly Afterwards?
Death and Divorce may sound brutal but the subject of Wills and inheritance is important when dealing with divorce.
What do I do if I have divorced but then my ex spouse dies shortly afterwards? This may be an unusual situation but it can happen.
Our clients are advised during the divorce process that they should have a Will or review their existing Will. This is because divorce, meaning the Final Order, formerly known as the Decree Absolute affects inheritance under a Will. The Final Order effectively treats the former spouse as if they have died and any provisions in a Will where any property or assets are bequeathed to the former spouse will pass as if that former spouse had died. In other words if a spouse was to benefit under their spouses Will then that clause will fail and they will not inherit.
With the advent of the no fault divorce
09
March
Consent Orders and the New Divorce Law
Our Pauline O’Rourke discusses the impact on financial matters when the new divorce law comes into force this April.
Consent Orders and the new D81 form.
We have new divorce procedures coming in to force in April but it is important for the lay person to appreciate that getting divorced and obtaining a clean break financial order on your finances are two separate processes.
You can apply to the court for an order on your agreed terms of settlement (a “consent order”) once you have your conditional divorce order (decree nisi). This financial consent order in draft is placed before a Judge who will approve the making of your order but only if it is reasonable and fair to hold the parties to it. To enable this, a joint Statement of Information D81 form must be completed by the parties, signed and submitted as part of the consent order application. This form completion
19
August
Why it is Important to have the Difficult Conversation about the Family Finances
Our Francine Bristo deals with the importance of discussing financial matters with your partner or spouse.
Most couples don’t make the time to have a conversation about the finances because it can lead to increased tension and arguments. Money is emotional, evoking feelings of shame, fear, anger and frustration. It is no wonder that people avoid talking about money and what would happen in the event of their relationship ending. Ignoring these issues whilst they are small however, allows them to grow into larger problems. There is nothing worse than dealing with the emotion of money combined with the emotion of separation.  It is better to discuss the finances and what would happen if you were to separate whilst you are on good terms. Conversations help avoid misunderstandings and later upset. It is useful for everyone to clarify the terms of your financial relationship so that you each understand the expectations,
29
January
Client Testimonial
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
30
October
No Fault Divorce to be Introduced Autumn 2021?
The long awaited no fault divorce process is getting closer. The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill has now reached its journey’s end in the House of Commons and now its with the House of Lords to review before it receives Royal assent. It is anticipated that it will be Autumn 2021 before the new law comes into effect.
This change in the law has been campaigned for for many years. Resolution has been campaigning for decades for a change to remove the requirement to place blame on your spouse in order to obtain a divorce. This need to place fault with your spouse and give details did not sit comfortably with many couples who remained amicable and did not wish to ruffle the other’s feathers by having to blame the other.
The detail of the rules process are not yet known. Ironing out the finer details may mean the introduction of the
29
October
A Checklist for You After a Divorce
A Checklist for You After a Divorce
The time will come when the divorce is behind you and you are looking forward to a new chapter. Here are some helpful hints to help you along your new journey.
Be as amicable as you can with your former spouse. This will help in co parenting your children and as your own life changes so might the contact arrangements and if you have a cordial relationship with your ex it will be easier for you agree changes and be flexible as you both move on.
Try to encourage your children to maintain a relationship with their wider family. This helps your child feel part of the wider family unit and maintains a continuity of still seeing their cousins and aunts and uncles on both sides of their parents.
Be mindful of when you introduce a new partner to your children and how you do it. Your
15
September
Why is September One of the Busiest Months for Divorce?
Our Francine Bristo looks at why is September one of the Busiest Months for Divorce?
Every year as with January, we notice an increase in enquiries during September. This may surprise some as it sees the return of children to school and is could be looked upon as a positive and optimistic time for couples. Whilst it may be for some, September can be a difficult time for many couples and is a popular time of the year for spouses to file for divorce. It is not clear why more petitions are lodged in September, couples do not consciously choose a time of year to separate, we suspect there are many reasons for this.
Couples may have used a summer holiday as a time to reflect on their relationship. Returning to ‘normality’ and everyday routines may mean spouses decide to finally give up the struggle of pretending to be a ‘normal’ and