New Year Divorce Options Advice
Looking for a new start in the new year but fear a divorce will be acrimonious and expensive? Mark Mosley, head of family law at Vincents Solicitors, explains the options
January is a time for reflection, a time of New Year’s resolutions, fresh starts and new directions. The advent of a new year is often the catalyst for change and it is widely recognised as the busiest time of the year for family lawyers.
Whether the stresses of the holiday season have come to a head, the January credit card bill has proved to be the last straw or the brave face over Christmas has finally slipped, recognising the need for change and taking that step towards a permanent separation takes enormous strength.
For many people, the fear of confrontation and fees can impede the decision and force them into constant compromise. By removing those worries, we can help people take back control of their lives and make decisions in their own time.
It is a hugely emotional journey, but divorce does not necessarily mean an inevitable slippery slope towards litigation. Parties should take the time to consider the various options available, and which is right for them.
When someone finally makes the decision to call a solicitor, their first question is usually ‘what happens now?’.
We advise people on how the process works, the timescales and costs they can expect, answer their questions on what it might mean for them financially and for their children and families.
It’s important for us to understand our client’s concerns and expectations, so we can help them to find the right route. In some cases we deal directly with the partner’s lawyer to make financial and custody arrangements. Other times we take the litigation route and deal with matters in court. But in many cases it is right that we bring both parties together to discuss the division of assets, childcare and access rights.
At Vincents we provide a particular service, which aims to take the stress and animosity out of the process of divorce, it’s called collaborative law. A lawyer-led mediation, this face-to-face negotiation is designed to help people maintain control over the process, encourage fair and respectful negotiation, and keep costs down.
It gives both parties the opportunity to discuss arrangements and for the solicitor to offer advice and guidance on coming to a solution. It can aid decisions dealing with the most pressing matters – paying the bills, looking after the children – and can bring long-term resolutions.
This collaborative approach has been found to be helpful in reversing feelings of powerlessness and being dictated-to by the process. We not only offer this service at Vincents but we can also provide a list of the dozen or so similarly qualified collaborative law practitioners in Lancashire who could work with a client’s spouse.
Bringing a marriage to an end is a difficult time but coming to a resolution which means people can get on with their lives is incredibly important. For most people divorce is something they never wanted and will only do once in their life. It can seem a daunting prospect, particularly with the emotional distress goes with it. A solicitor has the experience and knowledge to guide people to the various options that are open to them and advise on which might be the most appropriate. We have lots of options which don’t have to lead to acrimonious and costly litigation. If a situation is more suitable to traditional mediation or collaborative law then that is the route we’ll take.”
Mark works with Sarah Davis pictured at Vincents offices across Lancashire.
To find out more about the various options available contact Mark Mosley, partner and head of family law at Lancashire-based Vincents Solicitors, on 0800 320 2300 or email markmosley@vslaw.co.uk