How To Survive Divorce Month...And The Court15th Sep 2014
By now you’ve probably seen all the ‘September is divorce month’ headlines – how holidays from hell in August will sadly be the final straw for many troubled marriages.
In reality, January will see just as many divorces – if not more – and for similar reasons.
Both the Christmas and summer holiday periods are ‘pressure cookers’. Couples teetering on the point of separation are suddenly forced to spend weeks together with no respite.
But here’s the big difference. Unlike Christmas, many summer holidays are spent abroad where there’s no support network of friends and family.
That sunsoaked beach that should have been a romance rekindler (or at worst neutral ground) instead becomes an emotional battlefield. There is huge pressure on families to deliver holidays for their children, which can put a great strain on the family financially and emotionally.
So what’s the answer? A UK staycation close to your support network would have been better than a foreign trip – but then it’s easy to be wise after the event.
Perhaps a stressbusting weekend break or two closer to home might repair some of the damage caused by the summer holiday. Especially if you respect each other’s boundaries to ensure you both get some ‘me-time’.
Unfortunately, that may not be enough. What should have been a happy holiday will inevitably spell doom for some marriages despite their best intentions.
And the ensuing divorces are now taking longer because Legal Aid cuts are forcing more people to represent themselves in the Family courts.
Going it alone in court can be a daunting prospect for non-lawyers – so even if funds are short, we would also recommend going in prepared with some legal advice.
As part of our MIAM service, our expert mediators will always explain the legal process to you, what the court needs from you, what you can expect to happen and how long it will take.
Family courts will require specific financial information from you, presented the right way. An hour or two with one of our family solicitors will help to put your mind at ease at a difficult time.
For expert, sympathetic and practical advice on divorce and separation, please contact our family team on 01202 673011.
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This document is not intended to constitute and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice on any specific matter. No liability for the accuracy of the content of this document, or the consequences of relying on it, is assumed by the author. If you seek further information, please contact Managing Partner Neil Andrews at Coles Miller Solicitors LLP.
