Accredited Family Mediator
and PPC
What is mediation worth?
How can you quantify the financial and emotional value of a successful mediation for any given family?
These are surprisingly difficult questions to answer. For me, they are about as impossible to quantify as: How much money has the Thames Barrier saved since it became operational in 1982?
There is no real way of knowing the degree of damage and personal heartache that has not been suffered in the 176 times the barrier has been raised.
In much the same way, there is no real way of measuring how much money and heartache clients who successfully negotiate a fair and workable financial settlement in mediation are spared.
All we can do is to provide some comparative information about the process of mediation against a bitter legal battle. Before providing this info however, I wish to make one caveat perfectly clear.
Mediation is not suitable for all people. There are a variety of situations where the only real recourse couples have is to rely on the courts to assist them such as where there is domestic violence or child abuse. Those cases notwithstanding however, here are some examples of the cost of choosing not to mediate.
Expense: Aviva insurance estimates the average cost of divorce to be £43,998 per couple. By comparison, the average cost of a mediated settlement with us, for instance, is £2,200 per couple
Time: In that same report, Aviva identified the average time to settle a divorce as 11.5 months. By comparison, in mediation we help most couples reach a full financial settlement within 5 weeks of deciding to mediate (assuming couples are able to provide financial documents such as bank statements etc. in a timely manner).
Psychological costs: The psychological costs of a contested divorce is impossible to quantify over that for those couples who use a Family Mediation Council Accredited (FMCA) mediator. It is certain however, that the vast majority of couples who mediate a solution will be able to complete their divorce process at a fraction of the time and costs over a contested legal battle. These savings in time and money will undoubtedly translate into significant psychological savings as well.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Johnathan Pease, of New Landscape Mediation, is a highly experienced family mediator with over 20 years of experience working in family conflict resolution both as a mediator and Family Consultant.
A fully accredited BACP psychotherapist, Johnathan holds several qualifications with ADRg – including Direct Child Consultant (DCC). He is an accredited Civil/Commercial mediator, a member of the UK College of Mediators, and an affiliate member of Resolution.
Johnathan’s flexible and pragmatic approach to mediation makes the most of his understanding of interpersonal dynamics for the benefit of all concerned.
As a father of 2 children, and having experienced a family breakdown himself, Johnathan recognises that there are often many layers to the end of a marriage hindering a successful settlement than first meets the eye. Johnathan applies his varied training and life experience to the time sensitive and practical needs of family mediation with consistent success.
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If you are facing the prospect of a divorce or separation one area that is likely to be of considerable concern to you is the financial side of things.
In short are you going to be able to manage independently from your ex?
So, what are the top 5 financial questions to consider before you sign on the dotted line?
Have all the finances really been considered?
When considering a financial settlement with a client we break things down into three types of claims. The capital claims, which mean any properties you own, any shares or policies you have and any savings. Make sure you have thought about all of the capital you or your ex may have.
Then there is the issue of pension value and this includes any private pensions and the state pension which can have an added value. Many people are surprised to realise that a pension can be even more valuable than a property, so don’t underestimate the importance of looking carefully into this area.
Finally, we consider income which include any income from employment but from all sources including rental income or investment income.
Does the proposed split address your financial needs?
Does the settlement address your housing needs? Does it consider what you will need in terms of expenditure per month? Does it address your future needs in retirement, whenever that might be, even if still a long way off?
Does the settlement meet the needs of any children of the relationship?
If you have children make sure you have thought about how much it costs to look after them both now and in the future as they get older. Also, think about the cost of them continuing to study once they leave school and how they will support themselves.
Have you seen ALL of the financial information from your ex and is it accurate or is anything being hidden from you?
Make sure your ex has provided you with full details of their finances and ideally don’t just take their word for it, ask for documents in support. You want to be sure of the value of any properties by getting an independent valuation.
You will need to know the balances of any bank and savings accounts and the value of any pensions. You also want to know about any debts so that they don’t come out of the woodwork at a later stage and give you a nasty surprise. Make sure that the documents you do see make sense and the figures add up.
In most cases we encourage clients to go through a process of disclosure. You can do this voluntarily or, if you are asking the courts to make a decision on your finances, it will be a prerequisite. You do this by completing a Form E – we have a useful video talking you through what’s required in the Form E here.
Does it give you a good long-term solution?
Lastly, ask yourself whether in the long run you will be able to manage. Does the divorce settlement cover unexpected eventualities that can arise in life, such as big expenses. Don’t make the mistake of having jam today (lump sum of a £10,000 may seem like a lot of money, but not if it will be your only income or asset).
Perhaps the most important thing is to make sure your settlement has not been agreed in too much haste and when emotions are riding high. You really should get some advice to make sure the settlement being proposed is in your best interests, both now and in the future.
Guest post written by Luci Larkin of Woolley & Co, Solicitors, originally published here
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Getting divorced (or un-coupling as some celebs like to refer to it as), does not have to be either an expensive or lengthy exercise.
I have been practising as a family lawyer for nearly 20 years so feel fairly confident that I have the experience and expertise to pass on some useful tips to help you save time and money if you are contemplating divorce.
- From the outset, my advice is to ensure that you seek the advice from a family law specialist who can outline your options (i.e. the grounds for divorce, explain the process, discuss the financial issues which will arise from the breakdown in your marriage and in brief, point you in the right direction). By understanding the law and procedures surrounding divorce and separation, you will be in a better position to discuss matters sensibly with your spouse and avoid misunderstandings.
- Once you are in receipt of initial legal advice from a family lawyer, try your best to keep relations between you and your spouse amicable and try to discuss issues confidentially between you without well-meaning third parties having their say!. My advice is always to ensure that, with a lawyer in the background giving you advice, you continue open and frank discussions with your spouse and work towards reaching an agreement between you in relation to both your financial issues and any child arrangements. An agreement reached between you, is always going to be a more workable one as it is an agreement made by consent and not a decision of any third party, such as a Judge.
- It is easy to let your emotions “take over” during this difficult period. My advice is to try your best to keep emotions out of any discussions, although I appreciate that this will be difficult. Try to think ahead and of what is important to you moving forward. If you have children, it will be particularly important to keep your emotions “under control” so as not to upset them. Try to think about how the breakdown in the family unit will impact upon the children’s lives and with this in mind, work towards reaching an amicable agreement about how the children will be cared for which is fair for the children and in their best interests.
- Avoid “having a go” at the divorce proceedings yourself as this can be a recipe for disaster and in the long run, cost your more in terms of time and expense. I have been instructed by many a client who has attempted to file for divorce themselves, and in the process, made mistakes with the court forms, and needed advice and assistance to sort out their errors. Unfortunately, this often means going back to the beginning with the process with can be costly and timely!
- Do not try to “score points” with your ex in the divorce process. I know it is easy for me to say, but it is always best to try and avoid point scoring exercises which serve little purpose and will undoubtedly, increase your costs (as well as those of your spouse), and lengthen the process.
Finally, remember that divorce and separation can be one of the most stressful events that can occur in a person’s life. With this in mind, and after having sought the appropriate legal advice, work towards reaching an agreement with your spouse over:-
a) Who will start the divorce and the grounds that will be used
b) The financial issues which will arise from your separation
c) The on-going child arrangements
And of course, if I can help do make contact.
Guest post written by Claudette Jaggard-Inglis of Woolley & Co, Solicitors, originally published here
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What is Collaborative Divorce?
This is an alternate dispute resolution that brings both parties and both of their solicitors into the same room in a series of four-way meetings.
The approach is to achieve an agreed solution to family difficulties out of court and agree arrangements for children and finances amicably
The process means that you see and speak to your former partner and his or her lawyer, which helps to build understanding and achieve the outcome that suits you both best.
In the room, lawyers who have been specifically trained and accredited by Resolution, the family lawyer organisation, work with both of you to reach the right solutions for you and your family.
You will still have your own independent legal team with you – and you and your former partner remain in control of the process and the agenda.
What are the Benefits of using the Collaborative Divorce Process?
Collaborative process is designed to be less combative and protracted, with all involved undertaking to reach an agreement without a court battle, avoiding what can be an enormously stressful, intimidating and costly experience.
Unlike the court system, this process takes place in private, at venues where both parties feel comfortable.
The four-way meetings allow you to work things out together, expressing your viewpoint to your ex-partner, rather than filtering it through lawyers by letter or phone. This produces much quicker responses – and the family lawyers help keep your interactions as constructive and helpful as possible, while supporting you and identifying options with you.
Throughout the sessions, your priorities and concerns will be paramount, as you move towards an agreement at a speed dictated by you, not a court timetable.
A key benefit of this process is that the lawyers sign the participation agreement themselves and thus commit themselves to the success of the process.
As such, they can minimise difficulties and prevent breakdowns in the negotiations, working together to create better understanding between couples. This in turn will reduce the chances of lingering bitterness, which is better for any children involved.
What does this Process Entail? How does it Work?
Collaborative process involves a series of four-way meetings supported by an agreement to avoid taking disputed issues to litigation, which ensures everyone is focused on agreement, not conflict. A commitment to reaching a fair solution for all the family (rather than simply “winning”) is the key.
The final agreement is converted into an agreed court order; a result created by the lawyers and ex-partners together that provides the best chance for a better long-term relationship.
Resolution is often achieved quicker and more creatively in this process rather than a court-imposed timetable and outcome. The couple concerned remain in control of their futures, rather than leaving a stranger (the judge) to decide for them.
Vanessa Fox, marks 25 years as head of the firm’s family law department in 2016.
Collaboratively trained and a qualified mediator, she has modernised South Yorkshire Resolution since becoming chair in 2013 and is also a member of the Law Society’s Family Law Panel and the Children Panel.
Visit www.hlwkeeblehawson.co.uk for more information.
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Gary Lineker is making headlines and front pages today with his call to make getting divorced as easy as getting married stating:
‘It is easy to get married and very difficult to get divorced’
The article then goes on to discuss the potential conflict of interests that are inherent in the fact that solicitors charge by the hour and quick divorces will make them less money.
I am constantly asked if you can really get divorced for £69.
And the answer is yes. An online divorce can cost you as little as £69 (if you receive a full fee remission).
For those individuals that don’t receive a fee remission a court fee is payable of £550. But it is still possible to get divorced for less than the cost of an iPhone.
You will use the same forms, the same process, the same courts and it will take the same amount of time to get your decree absolute.
This is achieved because of the advances that have been made with technology. We have simply passed these on to our client’s.
Separation and divorce can be very challenging on a personal level but from a legal stand point it can be as simple as filing the forms. An online divorce can facilitate that for you.
Or look at this way:
You are in central London and need to get from one side to the other as quickly as possible, so you ask the driver of a Black Cab. What do you expect his answer to be?
It might be quicker by taxi, it might be quicker on the tube, it will depend on the time of day, the traffic, the distance you want to go, and the route taken.
We all instinctively know that 9 times out of 10 the cabbie will recommend that he takes you in his cab, no matter what the conditions are.
Divorce is not a one size fits all situation. But the legal sector promotes it’s services this way. You MUST use a solicitor to get divorced.
That is not the reality.
For more information on getting divorced and the divorce process see: www.gov.uk/divorce
Carmen Hudson (LLB) is a director and head of legal of operations at DivorceBox.com a online legal service provider specialising in online divorce (e-divorce).
After 15 years in dispute resolution she founded DivorceBox to offer a less intimidating alternative to traditional legal services.
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There is one thing we can be sure of – if something is happening in California, it will be happening everywhere else within 20 years’ time. And in America we have seen a dramatic increase in the use of Collaborative Law which is now increasing in the UK.
Are the days of the old fashioned acrimonious divorce numbered?
When parties are going through a sensitive transition like a divorce they will often want to go to lawyers who are trained in avoiding conflict and getting them both where they want to be.
And whilst the newspapers are full of celebrities in high profile divorces, there are many more who are to great lengths to stay out of the papers – trust me; Anonymity is the new celebrity!
The Collaborative Divorce Process
In many ways the Collaborative approach to family separation is tailor-made to the requirements of the modern world. It seeks to preserve family life albeit one in which the parents are no longer married.
Co-operating after separation is essential to serving the best interests of the children. Furthermore the model seeks to minimise conflict and offers total privacy. That degree of privacy is not available in the conventional Court-based divorce as many sensitive celebrities have found out to their cost.
Small wonder increasing numbers are opting for the Collaborative approach and, like it or not such people to seem to ‘set the trend’.
How Does it Work in Practice?
Both parties take advice from collaboratively trained lawyers. There would then be a four way meeting between both lawyers and both parties.
The first difference that anybody looking in would notice, is that everyone is on first name terms.
It’s a small thing but it is a vast difference to cross examining someone under oath. The dynamic is completely different and everybody has the confidence to talk freely safe in the knowledge that they are not prejudicing their position.
The lawyers have a vested interest in ensuring that this process doesn’t breakdown as there is an agreement if it does that they would have to stop acting and the parties would seek legal advice elsewhere to take the matter on to Court.
Contrary to popular belief, lawyers do not have a vested interest in taking cases to Court, but as that is a perception it is promptly rectified by this very rigid rule.
Are there any disadvantages? Frankly it is hard to see any.
If there is an overbearing spouse or partner then it is well within the realms of possibility that they will seek to use the Collaborative process as a means of getting what they want.
However, each individual case should be ‘screened’ at the outset to make sure that there is the requisite degree of trust, honesty and devotion to fairness.
This will not cover all cases and there is perhaps an inevitable tension between a lawyer’s desire to serve the parties within the Collaborative process and their unyielding professional duty to ensure that their client receives the best advice concerning an appropriate settlement. Where the two conflict, the latter must prevail.
A further boost is given to the Collaborative process by virtue of the fact that the Courts now emphasise the importance of alternative dispute resolution ie avoiding Court.
Indeed it is a pre-requisite in the vast majority of cases that the parties attend Mediation before they can actually issue proceedings.
The shortcoming with Mediation is that the lawyers are not present and therefore their advice still has to be sought afterwards in any event.
However they are present throughout during any Collaborative meeting and ‘on tap’ to advise both parties. One might therefore speculate that had the Collaborative process been more widely available when Parliament enacted this law, that they would have included Collaborative law as an alternative to Mediation.
The Collaborative approach is not limited to divorce either. Both Cohabitation and Pre-Nuptial Agreements can be discussed and drawn up adopting the same process.
With the divorce rate falling and cohabitation an alternative family model, the continued increase in Collaborative Law as a preferred option is set to increase.
Will it replace divorce law? Perhaps not completely but there is every reason to believe that it will in due course be the first choice for dispute resolution over and above the Court.
And about time too.
Nigel C Winter is a partner in the Family Department of Rawlison Butler Solicitors, based in the South East of England. He has been practicing family law for over two decades, is a collaborative lawyer and a regular contributor to a wide variety of publications on Divorce and Family Law.
He has been practicing family law for over 2 decades, is a Collaborative lawyer and a regular contributor to a wide variety of publications on divorce and family law.
Disclaimer – This document is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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Partner
Jones Myers
As the euphoric flurry of Valentine’s Day proposals starts to diminish, engaged couples would be wise to consider taking out pre-nups – particularly if they have tied the knot before.
The importance of planning such agreements is also timely following a recent survey which revealed that one in ten married Brits regret not insisting that their husband or wife signed a pre-nuptial agreement.
It may seem unromantic, but a frank talk about financial provisions before tying the knot could help prevent heartbreak in the long term.
Disagreements about money are one of the major causes of bitterness, uncertainty, anxiety and cost arising from marital breakdown marital breakdown. It is far better to have agreed how to split your assets and to have drawn up a prenuptial agreement before you say ‘I do’.
Prenups are on the increase, and are particularly popular with couples marrying for a second time. Here are answers to seven of the most commonly asked questions:
I’m not super rich – is a prenup right for me?
While it’s true that pre-nuptial agreements were once regarded as the preserve of the wealthy, people with more modest incomes are increasingly seeking advice because they understand the benefits of setting one in place.
If you want to ensure that your finances, house and other assets are shared fairly on divorce then a prenup is for you.
Why do people opt for a prenup?
For all kinds of reasons. They may be marrying for a second time and want to preserve certain assets for their children from previous relationships. They may likewise want to ensure that children from this second marriage will be treated fairly if the relationship breaks down.
Some people seek to protect inherited wealth or savings built up before the marriage.
Does a premarital agreement mean I can hide money from my fiancée?
It must be stressed that trying to hide assets is never acceptable. All engaged people should have full and frank discussions with their partners about finances before they sign a pre-nuptial arrangement.
Prenups can help protect every asset you own – you can also ring fence as much or as little as you like. If you haven’t been open and transparent when you signed the agreement, then a court could throw it out should you and your partner divorce.
Are prenups legally binding?
They are not currently legally binding in England and Wales, although the law may change. However, a carefully thought through agreement, drawn up with independent advice, is quite likely to be upheld by a court. Prenups are also more likely to be accepted by a divorce judge if they were agreed well in advance of a marriage – and if there is no implication that one party was coerced into signing.
I’m remarrying and my fiancée and I both have children – do we need a premarital arrangement?
Most definitely. The hope is that you and your partner have a long and lasting marriage, however when you both have children it would be sensible to ensure that they are provided for if you do divorce.
Failure to do this could result in your children from your first marriage receiving nothing. This is because your assets could automatically default to your most recent wife and to any children you have together. As your fiancée has children too, it is most certainly in their interests to draw up a prenup.
When should I draw up such an arrangement?
The sooner the better – and at least 21 days before the wedding if you want to ensure that the prenup is as watertight as possible. The difficulties encountered with pre-nup agreements are that judges remain concerned when the agreements are signed under pressure. There is little time to reflect or be confident about the terms and judges may ignore or vary them.
How do I find out more?
You should contact a collaborative law firm – have a look at Resolution for lawyers in your area.
Your lawyer will encourage you and your partner to look at your finances and to consider how your married lives might pan out – for example, if you have children and one of you gives up work. Good planning and being well informed are key to a robust prenup.
Peter Jones is one of the country’s leading and most sought-after divorce and family lawyers, and one of only four qualified arbitrators in Yorkshire.
A former Deputy District Judge for 15 years, he set up the first niche family law firm in the north of England in 1992 – Jones Myers – and has acted for a string of high-profile clients.
Renowned for his sympathetic approach, he is a former national chairman of Resolution (formerly the Solicitors Family Law Association) – an organisation of over 6,500 family lawyers who are committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes.
Leeds and Essex based Jones Myers, consistently top-rated Yorkshire family law firm by Chambers and the Legal 500 Legal Guides, has been one of the pioneers of collaborative family law – known as the ‘pain-free way to divorce’ – which advocates a more amicable, and often speedier, route to divorce, without resorting to the courts.
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Independent Financial Advisor
In an ideal world you will receive sufficient settlement from the divorce to ensure you can achieve all that you want to achieve after divorce, lead the life you want to lead and not run out of money.
When there are sufficient funds available there’s no reason why this wouldn’t be the case.
But what happens if there isn’t sufficient funds for this?
Various settlement options will be looked at as part of your divorce negotiations and it’s important to choose the option which is best for your circumstances.
My experience is that frequently the wife wants to stay in the family home and the husband wants to keep his pension intact. He views the pension as “his” money compensating him for the hours he’s put in at the office.
Staying in the family home can often be an easier option for the wife. In a period of extreme upheaval and uncertainty it can be really comforting to have some stability, and it causes the least disruption for the children.
Accepting the home in the settlement also solves an immediate need whereas pension income seems a long way off and therefore much lower down the list or priorities.
However, before you decide this is the outcome you want, you must consider the wider implications of being awarded the home and therefore potentially receiving no pension share.
If you do not work outside the home, or you are in a part time role for child care reasons, you may have very little pension income in your own right. What will you live on when you get to retirement age?
Basic state pension is currently £5,727.80 each year, which only comes to £477 per month. The government is currently proposing an increase to the state pension to £144 per week. But that is still only £624 per month.
Once you have paid all your utilities (gas, electric, water, council tax etc) and bought your food there is likely to be very little left. Therefore it’s very important to take this into account at the negotiation stage.
Don’t wait until you are close to state pension age to consider it. The closer you get to state pension age the less time there is to plan and take corrective action if you are unlikely to have sufficient retirement income.
Women will often work on the basis that there is an option to downsize the house. But do you know how much that is likely to raise? Emotionally it can often be difficult to downsize the family home at this stage since you have memories of happy family times there. You’ve also probably got used to having the children/grandchildren come to stay and having their own rooms.
The time to look at your options for when you retire are during the divorce negotiations themselves, even though retirement may be many years in the future. Retirement will often seem such a long way off that it’s pushed to the back of your mind.
Decisions about your divorce settlement are more than just what share of the joint assets will be awarded to you. It also then comes down to a decision as to what assets you will receive to make up that share. Don’t assume that splitting your assets 50:50 and you getting the house will automatically be the same outcome as splitting your assets 50:50 and you downsizing now and taking a pension share too.
Work with your financial adviser to see which option allows the funds to last the longest. This will then be financially the route which is most appropriate for you. Now of course, there are emotional issues at stake at this time and so decisions won’t just be made based on logic.
The figures may show that your money will last longer if you downsize now, but it’s not emotionally something you feel up to at the minute. If so, revisit this decision in say a year’s time. Maybe at that stage you will be feeling emotionally stronger and ready to take this step.
The important thing is that when you make the decision about your financial settlement, you are making it based on all available knowledge. You may still choose to make your decision based on your emotional response. But at least you know this, and then address the issue again at a later stage.
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The following considerations are likely to be important in considering the vast majority of international relocation cases:
- the motivation of the applicant parent, in particular whether her motivation is to disrupt the child’s relationship with the respondent parent;
- the motivation of the respondent parent, in particular whether his motivation is to exert control over the applicant rather than having a focus on the child’s welfare;
- the level of planning which the applicant has put into the proposals for relocation, bearing in mind that more planning can be expected when the application involves a leap into the unknown than when the parent is proposing to return to a place that she knows well;
- conversely, the court will need to ask about the respondent’s alternative plan if he puts one forward, perhaps bearing in mind that he may have had rather less time than the applicant to think through his proposals, depending how quickly the case has developed;
- the proposals that each parent puts forward for promoting the continued involvement of the other parent in the child’s life if their plan is accepted by the court, bearing in mind practicalities like cost and time for travel, together with factors relevant because of the child’s age (such as with you’re children whether they can fly unaccompanied, or with older children whether they are likely to want to spend all their holidays with their parent rather than with friends);
- the child’s own wishes and feelings, which will naturally take on more importance as the child gets older, though bearing in mind that many children do not want to choose between their parents and may not want the burden of responsibility;
Dr Rob George is a leading expert on international family law, particularly in relation to relocation disputes, child abduction, jurisdiction, and international and domestic surrogacy cases. He has published numerous books and papers on these subjects, and been involved with many cases in related areas.
The new edition of his book, Relocation: A Practical Guide will be out in March.
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Here are the Top 10 Divorce Myths and Questions.
Aside from the questions below, we also talk about what is unreasonable behaviour – a question often asked by couples going through divorce.
- Prenuptial agreements are only for clients who are high net worth?
- Quickie divorce – Can my divorce be completed in less than a month?
- If we get divorced will the court force me to sell my business?
- When trying to sort out a divorce will I get a better settlement if I am aggressive and positional with what I am seeking?
- Am I automatically entitled to spousal maintenance?
- Do I need evidence for my divorce to be approved for unreasonable behaviour?
- Can the court force me to sell the former matrimonial home?
- If my spouse does not sign the divorce papers can I still obtain a divorce from the court?
- Do we have to go to court to sort out the financial settlement?
- The children are already suffering because of the divorce I don’t want them to go to court as this will be too much for them.
Austin Chessell is a Professional Practice Consultant (PPC) at FAMIA across Inner and Greater London.
Austin is also a Collaborative Family Solicitor at Feltons Solicitors and is a member of the Collaborative Pod group Essex Family Solutions.
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Independent Financial Advisor and The Wealthy Woman: A Man is Not a Financial Plan: A Woman’s Guide to Achieving Financial
In this interview, Mary Waring gives us some free financial advice for women going through the divorce process.
I have to say that if you’re a woman currently going through divorce and you desire to get your finances sorted out and dealt with, then do listen to this interview. There’s a lot of very valuable information on here.
Knowing what your financial status is, is one of the best ways of coping with divorce and the whole divorce process itself.
In addition, aside from the free financial advice for women going through the divorce process, May responds to the questions below, some of which were submitted by readers of The Divorce Magazine:
- Do I need to be financially wealthy to work with a financial advisor?
- Do co-habiting women have the same right as those who are married?
- Can a financial claim stay open even after the divorce is over?
- I’m a stay-at-home mum and have been so since the beginning. How will this affect me during the divorce?
- During divorce proceedings, how much information do I need to give my solicitor regarding my financial standing?
- Does a court take into account who has caused the break down of the marriage?
- Are pre-nuptials binding in the UK? Does the law recognise them?
Click on link below to listen get some free financial advice for women getting divorced
Mary Waring is a Chartered Financial Planner who specialises in advising female clients, particularly women going through a divorce. She is also an affiliate member of Resolution
Follow Mary – Twitter
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