Lawyers helped me stay strong through a 'nasty' divorce, says Harrogate woman

by Fiona Callow

| 18 Nov, 2024

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A Harrogate mother who went through a difficult divorce accredits Harrogate Family Law (HFL) with supporting her along every step of the process.

Ms W had been married to her partner for 27 years; a relationship she described as ‘controlling’. No matter the circumstances, divorce is a difficult decision to make, and one that come with a lot of emotional turmoil, mixed feelings and fears for the future.

When they decided to separate, Ms W hoped it would be amicable for the sake of their son, but she was worried that might not be the case.

She explained:

My ex-husband was trying to dictate how the split of assets was going to work.

As long as I went along with what he said, he was being helpful, but at the back of my mind, I wasn’t 100 percent comfortable with what was being proposed.

She spoke to Andrew Meehan, managing director and solicitor of HFL, and he assured her she was right to seek legal advice as there were ‘red flags everywhere’ in the way proceedings were unfolding.

Ms W felt more assured that while the journey may not be easy, the firm would help her navigate every step, and advocate for a fair outcome.

She said:

I was so appreciative for Andrew’s support throughout the whole process. Especially because as soon as I said I was going to get my own legal advice, it became quite nasty.

It wasn’t a difficult decision to choose Andrew, and Harrogate Family Law, because I knew people who had used them in the past, and they had a very good reputation.

Her ex-husband was reportedly unhappy that she’d sought a second opinion, and communication between the former couple completely broke down, conducted only through their solicitors.

Ms W’s praised Andrew and the team for their attention to detail and thorough approach to her case, which encountered many speedbumps on the road to resolution.

Her ex-husband was disputing her claim to a certain amount of money from a property they shared, as well as refusing to pay any child maintenance support.

One of Ms W’s concerns was that the matter would become so complicated it would have to go to court; an outcome she wished to avoid at all costs. And while it came close, she described herself as being ‘eternally grateful’ that the team at HFL worked hard to make sure this didn’t happen.

I think it was 8pm, the night before we should have appeared in court the next day, and Andrew was still working with my ex-husband’s solicitors to reach an agreement.

We managed to get things resolved, and Andrew went above and beyond to make sure I walked away with everything I wanted.

Ms W has now been able to put the experience behind her and move forward with her life.

She would encourage anyone in a similar situation and seeking legal advice to make an appointment with HFL, to discuss their options – especially those who feel their situation isn’t ‘straightforward’.

She added:

In my experience, it’s the worst thing I’ve ever been through and just to know there’s somebody on your side that will carry the load rather than you having to do it is needed.

There are times when you feel stronger than others, but I always felt supported and that was a big thing that kept me going.

If you're after a much more personal touch, and a strong desire to get the best outcome for you, you’d be in a safe pair of hands.

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This story is sponsored by Harrogate Family Law.

For clear, honest advice from a supportive solicitor at Harrogate Family Law, call 01423 594680 or visit harrogatefamilylaw.co.uk.

*Names have been changed to protect the subject's identity.