Going through a divorce is a difficult and emotional time for everybody. We have listed some top tips on how to get through a divorce with dignity and as little emotional strain as possible.
1. Think of the children - reaching agreements at an early stage in relation to arrangements for your children provides them with stability from the outset.
2. Speak with your friends and family - those that you love and trust can provide you with personal advice and an element of stability. They may also be able to help with child care arrangements if you have appointments to attend.
3. Do your research - speak with friends and family to see if they have a Solicitor that they can recommend so that you feel comfortable with them.
4. Try to keep perspective - it is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind with so many life changes taking place at one time but, this is a short time in your life and there is light at the end of the tunnel.
5. Take one step at a time - the Divorce process can take time as there are Court timescales to adhere to it's easy to become overwhelmed and stressed.
6. Make your first appointment with your Solicitor completely worth while - Prepare a list of questions before attending with your Solicitor so that these can be answered throughout your first meeting, making the process clearer for you. Make sure you take a pen and paper to your appointment to jot down notes. Take as much information as you can regarding your own assets and joint assets such as bank accounts, policies, shares and property.
7. Be clear with your Solicitor - let your Solicitor know what you expect to achieve and what your goals are from the outset. Your Solicitor can then advise you as to whether these are realistic and achievable so that you are clear throughout the whole process.
8. Encourage amicable correspondence between Solicitors - Resolution Trained Solicitors correspond in a non-confrontational and professional manner. It is important to follow your Solicitors advice when approving correspondence that is sent to your partner and ensure it remains as positive as possible to encourage an agreement to be reached as soon as possible.
9. Be willing to compromise - it is so much more beneficial for separating couples to agree matters rather than go through the Court process and a Judge make a decision that neither party will be happy with.
10. Engage in alternative Court Resolution such as; Mediation, Round Table Meetings, Arbitration and Collaborative Law. Alternatives to Court promote an amicable and sustainable future relationship between separating couples.