You don’t have to search for long to find funny memes and videos of couples as they prepare to be confined indoors together. While a sense of humour is essential at this time, for many, the thought of self-isolating with a partner, when there are tensions or difficulties in the relationship, may be particularly daunting.

Guidance has been provided by the World Health Organisation as to how to protect your mental health during the outbreak of coronavirus. The guidelines suggest that you ‘seek , mainly to take practical steps to prepare your plans and protect yourself and loved ones‘. A part of a family solicitors’ role will be to alleviate some of the concerns and anxieties that you may have about the breakdown of the relationship and the implications that this will have upon your children and finances.

A first step before speaking to a solicitor is to decide if it would be beneficial to make an appointment to see a relationship counsellor, such as Relate www.relate.org.uk/ to discuss your problems and hopefully find a solution.

However, sadly, if problems continue within the relationship, it may be that speaking to a family solicitor is the next step to take.

We always advise clients who are experiencing the breakdown of a relationship to enter discussions in an amicable manner supported by a family solicitor. Even if you are in isolation, we have family solicitors here at HRJ Foreman Laws Solicitors who can advise you about the options available to you via telephone or Skype calls. Going through this process in such uncertain times is daunting. Your questions will be answered by one of our experienced family solicitors. They will give you a positive framework as to the next steps to take. Ask about anything that’s on your mind, there is no such thing as a silly or insignificant concern or question. Often a discussion as to the legal process and dispelling myths can alleviate anxiety very quickly.

It is also possible to complete financial paperwork, which includes financial disclosure without having to leave your house. Our solicitors are here to talk you through each stage and aspect of financial disclosure to assist you and your partner to reach an agreement as to how assets can be divided. We can also prepare any legal documents remotely, with a digital signature when required.

The Courts are still operational, and it is likely that for the foreseeable future that hearings will be by telephone, video link or Skype. Our aim is to keep cases out of court wherever possible, but some matters need the assistance of the Court. The Guidance from the President of the Family Division is to ‘Keep Business Going Safely” and there is a strong public interest in the Family Justice System continuing to function as normally as possible. The Guidance from the President of the Family Division can be found at https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Presidents-Guidance_Covid-19-2.pdf

Please don’t feel alone when dealing with the double pressure of the breakdown of your relationship as well as COVID-19. If you are in any doubt or if you have any concerns, please reach out and contact us to provide you with legal and emotional support at this uncertain time.

You can find individual email addresses and telephone numbers for our family solicitors here https://www.hrjforemanlaws.co.uk/people

Or if you have a general enquiry please email family@hrjforemanlaws.co.uk

Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire

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