Practical tips to navigate the start of divorce

When your relationship is breaking down, holiday periods can feel very overwhelming. Following the Christmas holidays each year, many family lawyers tend to see a spike in divorce enquiries, resulting in the 5 January being dubbed ‘Divorce Day’. If you are here because you are considering separation, then our team of family lawyers have prepared these 5 practical tips to consider before filing for divorce:

1. Counselling

You may wish to consider counselling to talk through whether a reconciliation is possible or whether the relationship is truly at an end. Relate is a charity which offers support in helping people to navigate the challenges in their relationships.   

2. Divorce coach

If the relationship is at an end, you may wish to consider utilising a divorce coach. Divorce coaches do not provide legal advice but help individuals navigate the emotional and practical aspects of separation.   

3. Parenting through separation

Resolution has a helpful guide on parenting through separation which sets out useful information and advice on how to co-parent effectively.

4. Mediation

Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third party helps you to discuss and agree arrangements for children and finances. The mediator will facilitate communication, help explore options but does not impose decisions.   

5. Legal advice 

There is no substitute for early legal advice in helping you to understand your rights and the options for moving forward. A specialist family solicitor can help guide you through the complex legal and financial aspects of separation and divorce.

If you would be interested in seeking a confidential, no-obligation discussion with one of our specialist Family solicitors or mediators, please do not hesitate to get in touch.