June 20, 2016 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog
Separation is a process; it may begin months or even years before you speak to a solicitor or sign a single piece of paperwork. Separation is a lot more than just working out who’s right, who’s wrong, and who gets the toaster – it’s a journey comprising a string of decisions, compromises and negotiations. And the time it takes to complete depends on you, your ex, and your ability to cooperate – it’s all about how you approach it.
Every couple’s situation is different, but there are certain fundamental ground-rules that should help you to manoeuvre through the challenges of separation with the minimum of stress, conflict ...
February 23, 2016 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog
A recent survey by YouGov in support of Family Mediation Week has revealed a lack of support for couples seeking information on separation, especially when related to children’s issues and finances. According to the poll, up to 38% of respondents were unaware of out-of-court alternatives to separation, such as mediation, arbitration and collaborative family law.
The results of the survey showed that couples felt more positive about the process and outcome of their separation when they had greater access to information about their options. In general, 48% of respondents said that they felt positively about their separation, but this percentage increased and decreased across the country ...
December 18, 2015 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog
Dividing your assets during divorce can be difficult enough without the added complication of sorting out a shared business. But as increasing numbers of people turn to self-employment, many couples also end up as business partners. When it comes to divorce, deciding what to do about your company can be tricky: do you dissolve it and divide the proceeds; should one of you buy out the other; or will you risk leaving the decision to the court?
When you’ve worked hard to build a business, you may dread the prospect of losing it during separation – but divorce does not necessarily mean the end of your ...
December 01, 2015 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog
The festive holidays are always a potential sticking point when parents separate – whether you’re in the midst of a divorce or trying to put it all behind you. It can be tricky to stay calm and objective when it comes to dividing up time with your your kids, coping with the stresses of the holidays as a lone parent, or feeling isolated and jealous when the kids are with your partner. But rather than letting it all get you down and causing new quarrels, plan ahead and take practical steps to help things run as smoothly as possibly for everyone.
Here are five ways to ...
August 04, 2015 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog Unfortunately, divorce has the ability to bring out the worst in people. When it comes down to negotiating the particulars of dividing up your assets or dealing with children's issues, sometimes you will discover a whole new side to your ex. Manipulative behaviour comes in many forms – it may follow on from years of financial, physical or emotional abuse, or may be a subconscious attempt to control the situation. Common issues include trying to convince the other party to make agreements without the approval of their solicitor, pressuring them into make decisions before they're ready, or simply complicating matters so that the process becomes drawn out to ‘punish’ them. It’s important to remember that ...
June 11, 2015 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog
If you do an internet search for ‘DIY divorce’ or ‘quickie divorce’ you’ll be bombarded with a hundred different options claiming you can speed through the separation process with nothing more than a couple of signatures and a few hundred quid. While this is obviously very appealing to couples wanting to split as fast as possible, when you look at these deals realistically, what you actually end up with is a myriad of extra hidden fees, and a separation process that does not meet your comprehensive needs or protect you from litigation in the future. It’s very likely you’ll find out your ...
May 31, 2015 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog
During divorce and separation, ‘negotiation’ too often devolves into petty squabbling and pointless delay tactics. Finding a way to negotiate in a practical and effective manner is not about getting your own way or fleecing your ex for all they’re worth – it’s about resolving the breakdown of your relationship and moving on. Here are a few tips on negotiating successfully throughout the separation process, whether you’re using mediation, arbitration, collaborative family law, or divorcing through the court:
Make use of your solicitor’s advice and experience. Remember, they’re on your side, even if they have to tell you what you don’t want ...
April 04, 2015 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog
Family Law organisation Resolution is calling for a change to the procedure of separation to remove the compulsory implication of blame. Resolution’s proposal suggests a new process in which individuals may ‘give notice that marriage has broken down irretrievably’ as an alternative to assigning blame via the existing grounds for divorce. Under this proposed process, six months after making an official statement of intent, if both parties are in agreement that they want to proceed with the divorce, the decision will be legally finalised.
Currently, to apply for a divorce without a waiting period, one party must bear responsibility for the breakdown of ...
March 12, 2015 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog Yesterday the Supreme Court reinstated the right of a millionaire’s ex-wife to claim financial support after nearly 20 years after their divorce. After marrying in 1981 and divorcing in 1992 with no assets to divide, Kathleen Wyatt and Dale Vince went their separate ways. While Wyatt continued to bring up their two children, Vince founded green energy company Ecotricity, now a multi-million pound business. In 2010 Kathleen made an appeal to receive a financial settlement, 18 years after the fact.
The Supreme Court have since allowed the appeal, acknowledging it as a legally recognisable claim and enabling Wyatt’s application to continue through the Family Division of the High Court. This means she will ...
January 22, 2015 | Posted by :
J Morris |
Blog
Facing the financial repercussions of separation and divorce can be daunting, especially if you are entering into a complicated process involving disputes over children or money. No matter how you choose to separate – whether it’s through arbitration, mediation, collaborative family law, or a court divorce – keep the following tips in mind to help you stay on top of your finances.
Speak to your solicitor about fixed-fee services so that you can put a price to each stage of your separation process and budget accordingly. Fixed fees can take the anxiety out of unknown bills and ...
