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

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,

No fault divorce – we FINALLY have a date!

On 8th June 2021, we received the long awaited and welcome news that the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 will come into force on 6th April 2022.  The key feature of the Act is the ‘no fault’ divorce which will allow married couples to divorce without assigning blame.

It was originally hoped that this change would take effect this Autumn and therefore it will be a disappointment for many couples wanting to avoid the ‘blame game’ that they will have to wait another 6 months, but it is positive that we now have a fixed date for this much needed reform which means we can now advise our clients about their options with more certainty.

Sometimes couples just want to separate without having to sling mud at each other, the current system offers no other option if they have not been separated for

Another warm review for Francine Bristo

“Thanks for all your help with this, you have made this whole process very easy”.

Ms S

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

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

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

For Francine and Amanda

I wanted to say a big Thank you to you and Amanda for your caring, support and professionalism throughout this awful process for me.  I really appreciate everything you have done for me and wish you both all the very best too.

Mrs S