Divorce is a significant life event that can impact various aspects of your life. Many people enter the process without fully understanding its implications, but preparation is crucial. This guide will help you navigate divorce in the UK by focusing on mental, financial, and parental preparation.
Mentally Prepare for Divorce
Divorce can be mentally and emotionally challenging. Before proceeding, ensure you’re certain about your decision. Consider marriage counselling or individual therapy to gain clarity and support.
Visualising your post-divorce future can help you focus on your goals instead of the past. Despite preparation, expect to face difficult days. Develop healthy coping strategies like maintaining physical health, exercising, spending time with friends, and engaging in enjoyable activities. A counsellor or therapist can provide valuable support during this time.
When choosing a divorce lawyer, look for someone who offers both legal expertise and empathetic guidance. A good family lawyer can ease the emotional burden of the process.
Financially Prepare for Divorce
Financial concerns are often the most pressing during a divorce. Early legal advice is crucial to understanding your entitlements and preparing for financial changes.
A family lawyer can help you understand your rights regarding the divorce settlement, the family home, and potential spousal maintenance. Plan for your immediate living expenses, as finalising a financial settlement can take months, and court proceedings may extend this period.
If you’ve depended on your spouse’s income, explore long-term financial support options such as benefits and spousal maintenance. Avoid taking actions that could be perceived as concealing funds, like moving money to a private account, as this can complicate legal proceedings.
Always consult an expert family lawyer before making significant financial decisions.
Parental Preparation for Divorce
For parents, divorce adds the concern of its impact on children and the parent-child relationship. Early agreement on childcare arrangements with your ex-partner can reduce stress for everyone involved. Drafting a formal parenting plan can provide clarity and minimise uncertainty.
Consult a family lawyer to understand your parental rights and ensure the parenting plan is fair and in your children’s best interests. Agree with your ex on what and how to tell your children about the divorce, ensuring they receive a consistent message from both parents.
Seeking Legal Advice
Being prepared for the divorce process and your new life afterward is crucial. Expert advice can make the journey smoother and less stressful. Ensure you choose experienced divorce lawyers who can provide specialist legal guidance for a smooth divorce.
Read more articles by Gemma Scourfield.
About Gemma Scourfield
Gemma is a divorce and family law solicitor with Woolley & Co, Solicitors based in Pembrokeshire West Wales. She has been based in Wales since qualifying in 2007 although has clients throughout the UK and abroad. In 2016, Gemma was accredited as an Advanced Family Law Panel Member with the Law Society which recognises her expertise in domestic abuse and financial relief.
Gemma qualified as a family law solicitor in 2007, she joined Woolley & Co from a regional firm in Wales in August 2021.