Director Rachel Buckley reveals The Family Law Company’s new guide to divorce which is based around real-life client experiences
As a family law firm of over three decades, we have helped thousands of clients with a wide range of different cases. We understand that divorce is never easy and that there are always going to be challenges – from the moment the decision is made to the day the decree absolute lands on the doorstep.
In a bid to highlight that there is resolution after divorce, we spoke to a cross section of our clients who were happy to open up and tell us their stories. They each have differing circumstances and reasons for divorcing – but they have all come out the other side in the knowledge that the breakdown of a relationship is not just an end but also a beginning.
It was a fascinating and uplifting process, particularly learning how they have progressed with their lives. Some have now bought their own homes to give themselves a fresh start, others have started a new job and found financial security. From an emotional perspective, whilst some told us they had firmly closed the door on their old relationship, others had been able to find forgiveness for their former partner.
We also collected some tops tips based on their experiences from before, during and after their divorce or separation. Examples of the advice contributed include:
- Try counselling, it can help you to be sure if the marriage is salvageable or over
- Meet with different lawyers to make sure you find the right one for you
- Look at areas where you can do things yourself to help keep fees down – your solicitor will advise you
- Protect yourself by keeping the process as business-like as possible
- If you have children, try to maintain an amicable relationship
- Be open with friends and family, who will give you support.
We were so inspired by the responses we received that we used them as case studies in our new guide to divorce. The guide gives a starting point for anyone facing separation and will help alleviate some of the initial anxiety and confusion. It explains clearly how the process of divorce works, to help you be prepared and know what to expect.
Two experienced relationship counsellors also agreed to provide their perspective for inclusion. Sarah Ashworth offers advice on how to recognise if a marriage has really reached the end of the road or if there is a chance of saving it, and Amanda Williamson suggests positive ways to move forward after divorce.
These are some of the topics covered in the guide:
- The five current accepted reasons for divorce – not yet including ‘no-fault’ divorce, which we hope will be added soon
- Options such as mediation, collaborative law and arbitration, which may suit those wishing to keep their divorce as amicable as possible
- Seven steps ‘start to finish’, from the day the divorce process begins to the day the marriage officially ends
- What’s involved in a financial settlement including assets, pension and income
- Practical decisions to make, particularly with regard to children and home.
We are only human
We have called our guide to divorce ‘We are only human’. I feel this title not only reflects the fact that nobody is perfect, mistakes can be made and feelings can be hurt but also that family lawyers are human too. At The Family Law Company, we believe in empathy and understanding, supporting clients along the way and helping them to plan for their future.
To access our guide please visit: www.thefamilylawco.co.uk/only-human
Rachel Buckley is an experienced family lawyer and director at the Family Law Company. To contact Rachel please call 01392 421777 or email [email protected]
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