21st May 2020

5 pitfalls when getting a Divorce

5 pitfalls when getting a Divorce

COVID-19 is placing an enormous stress on families and parents and we understand that tensions can rise. It is also natural that where a marriage has broken down, there is usually at least one party feeling angry, sad, disappointed, or a mixture of all of those things.  It is therefore easy for a divorce to become a forum for airing those feelings and for parties to lose sight of what matters.  It might help to bear in mind the following pitfalls and ways to avoid them:

  1. Not using a family lawyer. Sometimes lawyers are approached by clients some way down the line of divorce because they were told by their spouse, family members or friends that they did not really need legal advice.  Most people find they have to resort to getting legal advice when the case has already been running and there are entrenched positions which could have been avoided had a family lawyer been instructed from the start.
  2. Using the wrong lawyer. Someone who is combative and ruthless does not necessarily achieve effectiveness and does not guarantee your spouse/partner will be intimidated and concede.  Also, such an approach will be costly and damaging and cause relationships to break down further.  Members of Resolution follow a Code of Practice that promotes a constructive approach to family issues and considers the needs of the whole family.
  3. Listening to your ex-spouse’s advice. Your spouse/partner may have been your confidante and the person you went to with your concerns.  However, you have to recognise that your spouse may not (and often, cannot) have your best interests at heart any longer.  More often than not, your best interests will be in direct contrast to his/her best interests.
  4. Listening to bad advice from other people. Your friends may know the general principles of family law, or know somebody who has recently divorced, but their advice is no substitute for professional legal advice which is accurate, up-to-date and tailored to your situation.  Family members may also have a certain opinion of your spouse which clouds your judgement (whether that opinion be good or bad).
  5. Using children as pawns in the game. Children are inevitably affected by their parents’ separation, but the impact on them can be minimised.  Spouses may try to limit contact the children have with the other parent to “punish” that parent.  Use a specialist family lawyer to fix these issues, not your children.

COVID-19: In these extraordinary times we recognise how difficult it is to find time to do everything, let alone seek legal advice. This is especially the case where you are living with your partner or spouse and are considering separating, or have your children with you during the day.

Therefore, we are now able to offer flexible telephone appointments to meet your personal needs, whether that is in the evenings, early mornings or weekends as well as our usual office hours. If making that initial call to book an appointment is difficult please email us at enquiries@ellisonssolicitors.com in the first instance and we can arrange a meeting by email.