02 Jan Thinking about divorce…
Thinking about life after a divorce or relationship breakdown can be an emotional rollercoaster. It is normal to feel nervous, anxious, and confused.
Here are some tips from Family Solicitor Katharine Scoot at HRJ Foreman Laws Solicitors to help you through the process.
Gather information
Sometimes, the decision to divorce is overwhelming, there’s so much to think about. What happens to the house, the child arrangements, the finances? How long will it take? I recommend making an appointment to go through all your questions and to also learn a bit more about the process. There are no silly questions. We are here to ensure you’re fully informed and understand all your options, so ask away. Then take some time to digest everything before you decide if you want to progress.
Be prepared
To make your first meeting as productive as possible, it is helpful to have all your essential documents to hand. These will include photographic ID, utility bills with your current address, and any legal documents from your partner’s solicitor. Also, jot down important dates and details like when you started living together, when you married, when you separated, dates of birth of your children.
Child arrangements
Sometimes it is difficult for parents to agree on what is best for their children. In these circumstances our team of family solicitors can assist with negotiations and refer you to Mediation as it is always better to try and agree child arrangements as a court should be used as a last resort. Every situation is unique, so our team of family solicitors will work closely with you to reach an agreement that is in the best interests of your children.
Check your finances
Prepare a list of assets and debts that need consideration in your divorce settlement. This may include your home, additional properties, vehicles, stocks, business interests, trusts, insurance policies, pensions, and savings accounts, and also confirms whose name they are in and whether they are mortgaged, and how much the outstanding mortgage is.
Plan for life after divorce
Once a settlement has been agreed it is important that this is drawn up into a court Order and approved by the court so that you have a legally binding settlement. This is important because even though divorced, either spouse may have a claim on the other’s income, assets, or future inheritance unless you have an approved court Order.
If you are moving to a new property or selling, our conveyancing team can assist while our Wills, Trusts, and Probate team can help you prepare for the future with your Will and effective estate planning.
For more information
Read Navigating divorce: what happens during the divorce process?
Watch our video – The key things to consider if you are separating from your spouse.
Contact us for legal advice
- Email info@hrjforemanlaws.co.uk
- Call Hitchin, 01462 457711, Welwyn Garden City, 01707 887700, Old Harlow 01279 709 100.
- Complete our contact form here