If you are having to deal with separation this New Year, try not to worry. At Awdry Law we offer a sympathetic ear and a free initial consultation, where we can explore all your options in order to help you find practical solutions.
We understand that no one wants to be dealing with separation or divorce, particularly on top of what has already been a very trying year, but if things need to change, please get in touch.
In this article we’ve put together 5 positive steps you can take to help you move forwards in 2021.
1: Take a step back, breathe. Going through a separation can be emotionally draining and you should try to prioritise your mental health whenever you can. This may not be easy, especially if you are juggling work and child-care.
However, doing small things every day that make you feel better really help. Taking time to sit down with a cup of tea can make all the difference sometimes.
You may also choose to confide in a close friend, or a family member and talk through your difficulties with them or you can get in touch with a member of our Family Law team.
2: Communication really is key. We know this can be difficult, and sometimes frustrating. However, if you can both take the emotion out of the situation, and deal with things rationally this will help everyone involved.
Keep an open channel of communication with your ex-partner and try to find a form of communication that works best for both of you. Face-to-face meetings may be difficult, but emails or text messages may work in the short term.
3: Think about your children and prioritise their needs above all else. Deciding how to tell your children that you have separated can be a daunting prospect. We always advise instructing a Resolution member.
Resolution is an association of family lawyers, mediators and other professionals who are committed to the constructive resolution of divorce, separation and family disputes. We are members of Resolution and very much agree with this approach.
You could also think about trying family or relationship therapy; not necessarily to discuss whether your relationship has a future, but to focus on how you can work together during the separation process and beyond.
Make sure you keep in contact with the children’s school and ask that both of you receive any letters or emails that are sent out. Keeping to their usual routine will help to ease children through what can be a difficult time in their lives.
4: Think about your assets and how you would seek to divide them. Writing things down will really help with this aspect of the separation. It makes things easier if you can have a master list setting out your financial position.
We can provide appropriate advice as to what is fair and can help you to negotiate a financial agreement with your ex-partner.
5: Free initial consultation. If you think you would benefit from our advice, we offer a free initial consultation in a safe and secure face to face meeting or we can hold a video meeting if you prefer. You will receive expert, practical advice given by a qualified legal professional.
The situation you find yourself in may not be ideal, but it is important to remember that we can help you to navigate through it. Together we can help you move forward into the New Year in a more positive way.
Click here to arrange your free initial consultation with a member of our Family Law team today and we will explain all your options, giving you the confidence to make the right decisions for everyone involved.