This article is sponsored by Harrogate Family Law.
If the prospect of divorce has crossed your mind, you’ll know it’s one of the biggest decisions you could ever make.
Whether you have been married for many years or only a short time, considering ending the relationship can be daunting: from finances to children, there are many aspects which make the situation feel complicated.
Before you make a decision, here are some suggestions which could make the process easier for everyone involved.
Speak to a solicitor
This may feel like a big step, and one which should come much further down the line, but it’s actually something many people do in the early stages – even before speaking to their spouse.
Andrew Meehan, director of Harrogate Family Law, said:
“A lot of people come to us when they haven’t even decided it’s finally over.
“It’s the biggest decision you will ever make in your life, but most people have never been through it before.
“Knowledge is power: people want to know what they are in for and what they would potentially come out with.”
Choose the right law firm
It’s important to do your research and be confident in your choice. Your solicitor will need to know everything about your life, including your finances, so make sure it’s someone you feel comfortable with.
Solicitors are not just there to resolve disputes, but are an essential part of ensuring any agreement is legally sound.
Mr Meehan said:
“Even if you have agreed a settlement with your ex-partner, it still needs to be put into a court order so it’s binding.
“People sometimes think that the introduction of no-fault divorces means they don’t need to have everything done through solicitors, but that’s not the case.
“Whether it’s an amicable settlement or things are more contentious, it is really important to get the right advice to ensure your settlement is fair from the outset and will be fair to you in the future too.”
Do your research
In many divorces, there is an imbalance of assets between the two parties. While one person having a higher income than another can be obvious, it’s often also the case that pensions, trusts, business ownership and other factors need to be considered to ensure the settlement is fair.
Getting all the information together will help your solicitor to ensure you get what is fair and that your needs for the future will be protected.
Mr Meehan said:
“We deal with a lot of cases where there is a family business to consider, or where one partner has focused on their career to earn money for the family while the other has taken a step back to raise the children and look after things at home.
“Not only does that mean their current incomes are vastly different, but it also means their future earning potential, their pension provision and their other assets can be affected quite significantly.
“Knowing all of these details helps us to get the full picture of the finances and ensure they are split fairly, so one partner is not disadvantaged because of the role they played while the family was together.”
Don’t panic
Facing divorce at the outset can be a worrying time, even if it is likely to be amicable.
When you add in potential challenges, such as one partner making the situation more difficult or displaying narcissistic tendencies, it can feel insurmountable.
However, your solicitor should be there to guide you through it and ensure the end result is right for you, said Mr Meehan.
“Our strapline is ‘on your side’ and that’s what a good solicitor should be. They should understand your worries and help to put your mind at ease.
“We know that people are often concerned about the necessities: keeping a roof over their heads, having money to pay bills and cover their legal fees, and managing their finances before the settlement is agreed.
“Having the right solicitor who understands this is absolutely essential for your peace of mind, now and in the future.”
