“Good Divorce Week”

28 November – 2 December marks “Good Divorce Week”.

Every divorce is different. Even in cases where the parties are amicable, difficulties can arise as the separation progresses, particularly when arrangements for children and money are discussed.

Here are our tips for ensuring that your divorce is as “good” as it can be:

1. Be sure that the marriage has broken down and that a reconciliation is not possible. Take time to make sure that it is what you want. Seek assistance from a relationship therapist if you think that a reconciliation might be possible, but even if it isn’t, a relationship therapist may still be able help you both to accept that the marriage as broken down. Also consider if you would benefit from seeing a counsellor or therapist on your own to deal with the separation.

2. Put the needs of children first. Have a look at Resolution’s “Parenting Through Separation” guide and think what would you like your children to say if asked how they felt about their parents’ divorce 10 years from now?

3. Obtain legal advice from a family law specialist as early as you can. Every lawyer in our team is a member of Resolution, and most have additional Resolution accreditation in financial settlements and children.

4. Don’t focus on minor issues. Whilst they might seem major at the time, legal costs and animosity rapidly increase when parties focus on issues that will not be relevant in future. The raising of these issues often results in “tit for tat” communications, and it can then be harder to focus on the main (more important) issues.

Take advice on the different ways in which a resolution might be reached. The court system should be a last resort. It is usually expensive, stressful and fraught with delay. Mediation, round-table meetings with legal representatives and arbitration are generally preferable, cheaper and cause less animosity than the court system.

For more information or to find out how we can help you, please contact our Family Team on 0345 646 0406 or fill in our online enquiry form and a member of our Team will be in touch.