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The breakdown of relationship can be one of the most traumatic experiences for a person. It will raise all kinds of difficult questions and potential problems that will need resolving. We will help you answer those questions and guide you through both the practical and emotional problems you may face, however complicated and overwhelming they may seem.
Our Family Law Solicitors are able to talk through with you the best approach to dealing with your separation, ensuring that the best interests of any children involved are the priority. The Court option is rarely the best way of resolving family matters and there are many dispute resolution options to be considered which do not involve the Court process. Mediation, Collaborative Law, round table meetings, solicitor negotiation, Earley Neutral Evaluations (ENE’s), Private FDR’s, Arbitration and the HFLS process are just some ways of resolving family issues in a much more constructive, amicable and cost effective way. We will talk you through all of these options and help you to decide the best approach for you, and most importantly we will discuss with you next steps and how to progress matters in a positive way for you.
The divorce procedure itself is in fact a simple paper or online exercise, particularly where both husband and wife have mutually agreed that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. Before you can apply for divorce, the husband and wife must have been married for one year. In April 2022, the divorce law changed to ‘no fault’, meaning that neither party has to blame the other for the breakdown of the marriage. The divorce application can be made by one party, or both, and you simply have to confirm to the Court that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.
It is not unusual these days for families to travel extensively and relocate abroad. In such circumstances, when a relationship breaks down, it is essential that specialist advice is sought as to which country any divorce or family proceedings should be initiated in. There must be a careful and detailed analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of issuing in a particular country. The likely financial outcome in each particular country will often determine the country of choice, which may include consideration of whether there is a binding pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement in existence. Decisions about where children will live, with whom, and in which country may also need to be made which could involve child abduction issues or consideration of moving abroad with children.
A married couple may experience relationship difficulties but may not have reached the point of irretrievable breakdown. A reconciliation may be possible, and perhaps some form of marriage counselling or guidance will assist the couple. A period of separation may be the best way forward for the family, whether temporary or permanent. It is important that agreements are reached regarding the financial issues on separation as soon as possible and recorded in a formal separation agreement. It is also important that specialist legal advice is obtained before negotiating or entering into any separation agreement as in most cases the agreement will be upheld at the point of any future divorce.
A couple may feel that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, but they do not wish to proceed with divorce due to religious beliefs or for other reasons. In such circumstances, a Judicial Separation may be considered appropriate. A Judicial Separation involves proceedings similar to that of divorce, and specific financial applications can also be made to the court if an agreement cannot be reached.
An annulment is a legal declaration by the court that the marriage was not legally valid when entered into, or has become legally invalid subsequently. The grounds for annulment are very limited and are not always easy to prove, therefore it is essential that specialist family solicitors such as ourselves are instructed. Some examples of when an annulment may be appropriate are as follows:
For specialist advice in all areas of Family Law, please call us on 02380 713 060, or email enquiries@sousalaw.co.uk for a fixed fee consultation.
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