What to do when your marriage comes to an end...

It is always sad when a marriage comes to an end.

Whether it has been a short marriage or a long marriage, whether you knew the marriage was coming to an end or it has come as a complete shock, there are a host of emotions that you will face. Sadness, shock and disbelief, perhaps even relief or resentment are all normal and understandable.

Whether you have children, young or old, they will need to be told and their emotions will also need to be cared for. Young children may be confused.  

There is then the worry of what will happen to the house, income, savings, pension, business assets or shares.

We hope to offer you some practical advice:

 

1. If your health is suffering, speak to your GP. A GP can decide whether you need medication or counselling and offer you the assistance you need to start coming to terms with the end of the relationship.

2. Think about your support group, family and friends are always good for a shoulder to cry on.

3. If you can, try and speak to your spouse. Don’t put yourself under any pressure. If you don’t feel you can just yet, then don’t. Similarly, don’t force the other person to speak to you. Their emotion’s may be completely different to yours. Walk away if it looks like things are getting heated or you are upset and confused. It takes time.

4. Think about what time you would want with the children and how much time that will mean they are with your spouse. Special celebratory days and holidays should be considered too.

5. Work out what you currently pay towards the family home and whether, for the short term this can be maintained. Could you afford to pay more if necessary?.

6. Start to get your financial information together. Bank statements for 12 months, pension companies, last P60, last 3 wage slips, 3 years business accounts will all be needed in due course.

7. Get your properties valued. Get an up-to-date mortgage redemption figure.

8. Speak to a mortgage adviser, with regard to your mortgage capacity

9. If the children are at school, look at realistic properties local to that school. This will help you look at budgeting. Get to know the local Estate Agents who will know what properties are coming on the market.

10. Speak to a solicitor and get to know your rights and obligations. You will need advice on:-

• • • Divorce
    • Children matters
    • Financial matters

 

Meeting Us About Divorce - what to expect

Don’t feel worried or nervous about coming in to see us. Bring a friend with you, if it makes you more comfortable.

At Lawson-West we are all highly experienced and skilled family lawyers and will soon get to know what your priorities are and how to achieve the best outcome for you in all aspects arising from the breakdown. The advice you receive will be tailored to you and your situation.  We will follow that advice up in a letter to you. Once you have that advice, it will allow you to make the decisions right for you and your future.

Be assured that you are in safe and experienced hands with us.

View our new Family brochure describing all our services, our approach, our team with 100 years of experience between our five specialist family lawyers.

Contact Us or Tel: 0116 212 1000.

   

 

 

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