What support and help is available when going through the divorce or separation process?

We advise getting support and information from a family solicitor registered with the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) as early as you can. This can save money and time in the long run and prevent any existing problems from worsening.

You can find a legal adviser with specialist training to deal with family issues sensitively and with care and compassion, for example a family solicitor. We are trained to support and empower you to help solve your problems, including giving advice about what to do next in your situation.

This can be helpful in what can feel a difficult and stressful situation to manage alone.

In our experience, we find many couples divorcing or separating are well able to solve the problem without going to family court, for example by working with a mediator, arbitrator or other forms of bespoke collaborative dispute resolution. This is normally quicker, less stressful, and cheaper than going to court.

In certain situations it is necessary to go to family court to solve the problem. We can also help prepare for a court hearing.

Mediation and Arbitration can help you during divorce and separation by:

1.) Getting help to reach an agreement

2.) Using mediation as an impartial professional to help you reach an agreement. Family Mediators are specially trained to help you your ex partner consider different options to resolve the dispute.

3.) Important to note here is the focus on giving control back to you, and empowering you to reach decisions. The terms of any agreements you reach will be decided by you and your ex partner, not the mediator.

4.) Making child arrangements - You can choose how to make arrangements for looking after your children if you separate from your partner. Mediators can help you focus on where any children will live; how much time they will be spending with each parent; and how you will provide financially for your children. These agreements may need to be revisited over time, for instance as your children grow up. You can also agree on child maintenance at the same time or separately.

5.) You can then use a legal advisor if you want to make your agreement legally binding. As legal professionals we are able to offer you this service.

Parenting Plans

It may help to consider building a parenting plan together with your ex partner. You can find out more information on parenting plans from the CAFCASS website by visiting this link: https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/parent-carer-or-family-member/my-family-involved-private-law-proceedings/help-planning-together-children

It can help you both to think through what you want, how this will look, come to terms with changes and also how to prioritise children in the family and support their well-being. Parenting plans works even better if you involve your child or children.

A Parenting Plan can help because it shows clearly what arrangements and actions you have agreed to meet the needs of your children, it demonstrates to them clearly that they matter, you care for them and are working together to support them. Agreeing a parenting plan demonstrates to your child or children that you are putting them first and will always act in their best interests.