The beginning of a New Year brings new opportunities and a chance to make a fresh start. For some, this may involve taking the first steps towards a new life and divorcing their partner. Law firms across the UK usually see a vast increase in divorce cases rising in the months of January and February.
For those who are already struggling with their marriage, the holiday season can be very difficult and bring many to breaking point resulting in reflection and a mutual agreement to part ways.
Lucinda Holliday, Partner and Head of the Family & Divorce team offers advice on how you can prepare to start the divorce process in the New Year.
Communicate with your partner
Speaking about divorce with your partner may be a difficult conversation to initiate. It’s important to talk, think, reflect and respect each other’s views and wishes. Prior to your conversations think about what you want, need and are willing to let go.
Know your numbers
A divorce can be very expensive so it’s Important that you start to understand your financial situation in advance.
You and your partner will need to consider the distribution of your financial assets. Estimating the value of the marital pot will help to give you an idea of what you may be entitled to as the Court’s starting point is an equal sharing of matrimonial assets. It’s recommended to keep track of your budget and expenses.
Create a support network
Going through a divorce can be a very lonely and alienating process. Having friends and family that you can rely on both mentally and physically will make all the difference.
A professional support network will be vital. You are going to be making the most important decisions of your life during an emotionally chaotic time, you will need to seek legal advice from family and divorce law specialists to guide you through the proceedings and help put a strategy in place based on your circumstances.
Look to the future It can be easy to get overwhelmed very quickly with the present. It will be incredibly important to try and provide for yourself after the divorce so you may want to reflect on your employment position and plans for the future. While the Court can make an order in providing you with maintenance, it also has a duty to consider the financial independence of both parties moving forwards.
How Blaser Mills Law can help
Our team of family and divorce lawyers have the experience and skills required to ensure you achieve the best outcome.
Blaser Mills Law has an extensive network of third-party professionals such as psychotherapists, IFAs, and accountants that can be referred upon request. In addition, the team has two mediators based in Marlow and High Wycombe which can help to work out child and financial arrangements following a separation, often this can be a far more cost-effective process although it may not be right for everyone.
Throughout the next month we are offering a free 30 minute confidential consultation (*subject to availability*) to discuss your circumstances and explain how we can help, please do not hesitate to contact Lucinda Holliday on 01494 478603 or email ljmh@blasermills.co.uk.
About Lucinda
Lucinda Holliday is a Partner and Head of the Family & Divorce team at Blaser Mills Law. She is based the firm’s new Marlow office located just off the high street in Liston Court.
Lucinda has lived in Marlow since 2002 and has strong local roots within the community. Experiencing a divorce herself, Lucinda understands the emotional strain and stress that an individual may be going through allowing her to offer valuable advice and support to her clients.
Lucinda added: “I have lived in Marlow for over 20 years, it’s great to be working so close to home. The move has allowed me to strengthen new and existing relationships and reconnect with the local community.
Two of our team members have previously worked in Marlow and are thrilled to be back in the area, it has allowed us to be there for our clients and have a better understanding of their needs especially in terms of school catchment areas and the ability to advise on issues such as housing.
We really enjoyed sponsoring the Christmas light switch on and taking part in the Santa Fun Run, you will definitely see us around in 2022!”.