Whether it is the emotional and financial strains of Covid-19, a new year resolution to take the step that has been on the cards for months or an argument over the turkey that has proven the final straw, there are endless reasons why couples commence their divorce at the turn of the year.
The biggest drivers of costs and other upsets in the divorce process are spouses scoring points and raising the emotional temperature unnecessarily. Hiding sentimental photographs, moving money to a relative, arguing over the Le Creuset or threatening to sell the family pony are all real examples that RBG have encountered in recent years. None of them made a difference to the eventual outcome, but all involved expensive legal correspondence and fed mistrust between the spouses that hindered the route to an amicable settlement. The sooner a couple settles, the sooner they can move on financially and emotionally. It also follows that reaching a fair settlement constructively, without constant angst, is the best thing for the children. Not to mention, the children’s inheritance is being spurned if their divorcing parents spend those costs arguing about who keeps the best wine from the collection.
For anyone thinking of commencing the divorce process, follow these five top tips:
- Do not make any rash financial decisions. Gather the key parts of your financial circumstances and discuss any concerns with a family lawyer before making decisions.
- Do not obstruct the paths to constructive solutions by arguing over the crockery. There are more significant points to resolve. The more minor issues will iron themselves out once a deal is closed.
- Find a family lawyer who is a member of Resolution. Resolution members are committed to assisting clients in resolving disputes amicably and efficiently.
- Once you’ve found your lawyer, arrange an initial consultation to understand the next steps, highlight the critical issues, identify the potential costs and outline the timescales.
- Do not be a divorce doughnut!
Contact family solicitor Pippa Marshall today to see how she can help you.
Note: This article is not legal advice; it provides information of general interest about current legal issues.