January 04, 2015 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog
The first Monday back at work after Christmas has been rather depressingly dubbed as ‘Divorce Day’. During the first week of January, solicitors receive as many as twice the normal amount of divorce enquiries – a trend echoed by social media platforms such as Facebook, which report a significant increase in break ups in the run-up to Christmas and the new year.
The Christmas holidays are often a difficult time for relationships which are already under strain as couples spend more time together, entertaining or visiting family, while trying to live up to the ideal of a fairy tale festive period. Financial worries ...
December 06, 2014 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog
A survey of 2,000 people revealed that less than 25% of couples going through relationship difficulties actively sought help from professionals, despite almost 40% believing that counselling would be beneficial. Those who attended counselling sessions did so for an average of four months, and 12% said that it helped with the problems in their marriage.
The statistics also demonstrated that women are more likely to seek help to avoid separation than men. 45% of female respondents said they had faith in the benefits of counselling compared with 28% of men. However, both men and women were more likely to confide in a friend rather than seek professional help, and ...
October 31, 2014 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog
Following the news that increasing numbers of separating couples are representing themselves, the Government has announced a £2 million ‘support package’ for Litigants in Person (LIPs) to provide practical assistance with dispute resolution. The intention of the new strategy is to encourage couples to seek out-of-court alternatives such as mediation and arbitration, as well as offering support for those who take their case to court. Justice Minister Simon Hughes says that the new Government support package ‘will make sure that separating couples and parents are able to access the right advice, information and support at the right time.’
A new support service for LIPs involved in family cases is also due to be introduced at ...
September 26, 2014 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog
An estimated two thirds of divorce cases currently within the family courts involve one party who is does not have the representation of a lawyer. The newly appointed chair of Resolution Jo Edwards has expressed concerned that cuts to legal aid and overcrowded public courts have resulted in increasing numbers of couples finding themselves without legal support.
"People are just giving up and not seeing their children because they don't know how to go about it," Edwards commented. With the courts stretched to their limit, the process is becoming ever more protracted as separating couples attempt to work out settlements and custody issues without the experience necessary to do so.
"People who represent themselves are not negotiating,” ...
September 17, 2014 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog
One of the main practical concerns raised by the divorce clients we meet at Frances Lindsay & Co is the cost. Finances form a major part of the separation process in terms of dividing assets and negotiating settlements, and it makes sense to try to keep costs down where you can. This is sometimes easier said than done, however, especially when a case becomes complicated and protracted, but there are a few preparations and precautions you can take to try to avoid shelling out above and beyond what is necessary.
August 23, 2014 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog
Communication during a divorce can be extremely difficult, especially when you have to explain such an emotional situation to children. Whatever else you say, you must make sure your kids understand that even though you will no longer be together as parents, it doesn’t mean that you don’t love them, and make it very clear that it is not your children's fault. A mediator-solicitor is an excellent choice for separating parents as they offer advice, support, and a practical method of divorce that keeps the needs of children and the family in mind at all times. Your mediator will also be able ...
July 16, 2014 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog
Around one third of divorcing couples are lucky enough to be able to separate fairly simply and amicably; one partner takes the DVD collection, the other gets the sofa, and you go your separate ways. Things are made even easier if you rent your home and don’t have any dependents, meaning that the entire process can sometimes work out relatively quick and cheap.
If, however, your situation is more complicated – for example: if you have children, own property or a business together, or have significant assets or pensions – then you will undoubtedly need the guidance of an experienced divorce solicitor to guide you through the separation process. Some couples are tempted by DIY ...
June 29, 2014 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog
When parents divorce, it’s never a case of just walking away from the relationship. Whether you’re together or not, you’ll always have to co-parent your children in one way or another. An amicable separation (or at least a civil one) provides your kids with stability and reassurance during the transition and beyond, and will make it much easier on you both as parents. Of course, it’s a lot easier said than done, but here are a few tips on finding your way to a working co-parenting relationship after divorce:
Keep your history in the past. Divorce is about moving on. Don’t let the breakdown of your relationship affect the future with your kids. Resentment, petty disagreement, ...
May 18, 2014 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog
According to a social research study, “in sickness and in health” doesn’t necessarily apply to couples over the age of 50. Analysing over 2,500 marriages and 20 years of data, Amelia Karraker and Kenzie Latham, researchers from the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis respectively, discovered that “women are doubly vulnerable to marital dissolution in the face of illness”. Karraker explained: “[Women] are more likely to be widowed, and if they are the ones who become ill, they are more likely to get divorced.”
The study examined how serious physical illness, such as cancer, stroke, lung disease and heart problems, ...
April 04, 2014 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog
Mediation is often marketed as being a quicker, easier and cheaper method of separation for couples who want to avoid going to court over their divorce. But does this alternative form of dispute resolution really offer an all-round simpler solution?
The first thing to realise about mediation is that it is not a form of counselling. The role of a mediator-solicitor is to bring together both parties to find the best outcome for everyone involved. Your mediator takes an independent position and is not able to act as a legal representative for either of you, or take sides. However, ...