Tips for a Successful Divorce
Ending a marriage can be a difficult decision and can cause high levels of stress for all parties involved. However, obtaining a divorce with the assistance of a solicitor can be a straightforward process, and better still if both sides agree on the main issues there may be no need to attend Court.
At Aschfords Law our Family Department are experienced in all aspects of the divorce process- including dealing with the financial aspect of divorce. Here are our top tips for a stress-free and successful divorce.
1. Be well-informed
It is important for both parties to understand the divorce process. This is where a solicitor can assist through giving advice tailored to your unique situation. A divorce is not finalised until a decree absolute has been issued by the Court. Many couples cease the process early at the Decree Nisi stage, without fully understanding that they are not yet legally divorced.
One of the biggest misconceptions about divorce in England and Wales, is that a divorce ends the financial relationship between you and your ex-partner. A divorce means that your marriage has legally come to an end, however, it does not severe your financial ties to your former spouse. For that, a Consent Order is needed. Consent Orders are usually drafted by a Solicitor and then sent to the Court to be sealed, at which point it will become binding in law. Without a Consent Order sealed by the Court, your ex-spouse can make a financial claim against you even after your divorce is finalised! There are many different types of Consent Order, the most common is a Clean Break, however, you should seek advice to find out what type of Consent Order best for you.
It is essential to be well-informed about your ex-partner’s current circumstances- especially their financial situation. This will help everyone involved- including the Court- ensure any agreements reached are fair and reasonable.
Manage your expectations
It is important to be realistic about what you will obtain from your partner and how long it takes to conclude the divorce process. The Courts have backlogs at present, partly due to the pandemic, and are taking longer than usual to deal with divorce applications.
Don’t feel pressured
It is not uncommon for one party to feel pressured to accept an offer because they want to obtain a divorce quickly or they do not have the requisite knowledge to make a better counter-offer. No one should feel pressured to accept an unfair offer in divorce proceedings. When considering an offer from your ex-partner, always consider whether the offer is reasonable given your circumstances and how such an offer would affect you in the long term.
Avoid impulsive reactions
One of the most common ways that people incur high divorce costs is through making impulsive decisions in response to their partner. It is always best to fully consider all your options with the assistance of a solicitor before making any decisions regarding divorce. Making rash decisions can be costly and often lead to higher legal costs down the line.
Maintain amicable communication with your ex-partner
One of the best ways to reduce legal costs in divorce proceedings is to maintain amicable communication with your ex-partner. This helps both sides to reach agreements quicker which minimises legal costs, reduces stress and anxiety.
Who can I contact for legal advice?
If you need a U.K. family lawyer and need assistance with any aspect of U.K. divorce law, contact Aschfords Law in Harrow, London. We have experience in offering specialist advice in respect of all family matters and have insight to make the process as smooth as possible. We also provide legal advice and assistance in respect to Wills & Probate, UK Immigration, Matters related to Children, Litigation, Landlord and Tenant.
Please contact us today on: +44 (0) 7582932830, 020 3002 9147. Or visit our website at www.aschfordslaw.com