ACCORDING to the Office for National Statistics, the number of divorces in England and Wales rose by 4.9% in 2010 to 119,589 compared with 113,949 in 2009.
This was the first annual increase since 2003. So divorce is becoming more commonplace but it remains one of the most stressful events a person goes through. It is therefore extremely important that you obtain the right legal advice to help guide you through the process.
Divorce refers to the legal procedure which brings about an end to a marriage. However, matters are rarely so straightforward especially where there are issues concerning children and finances.
Some of the main questions which come to mind when going through a divorce are who will the children live with and how often will they see the other parent; who gets the house; and how will I afford to live?
These questions often involve complex legal issues. In the current economic climate where property prices have fallen significantly, the housing market is stagnant and many families are struggling financially, resolving the financial matters arising out of any relationship breakdown is becoming ever more tricky.
It is therefore even more important to obtain sound legal advice to ensure that a fair settlement is achieved. It is also extremely important to ensure that any agreement that is reached is properly drawn up, preventing either party to make any further claims in the future.
At the outset, Hadaway & Hadaway will discuss with you what your objectives are and your income and capital needs. It will identify the issues and how these can best be resolved and ensure that the welfare of any children is the paramount consideration.
It will explore with you the option of mediation – as following the recent introduction of the Family Procedure Rules 2010, anyone who wishes to make a court application in relation to a family matter must attend a meeting with a mediator to consider whether mediation could assist.
Hadaway & Hadaway will advise you whether public funding will be available to you in relation to your case. It has also recently introduced fixed fees for divorce payable on an instalments basis to help you budget.
Its solicitors deal with cases sensitively. It is the firm’s aim to bring about the quickest, most cost- effective solution to your problems with the least amount of acrimony.
Its approach is personal and friendly, adopting a constructive, non-confrontational approach as this is most likely to result in agreement. If, however, court proceedings are necessary, the firm has the experience to advise and represent you throughout all stages of the court process. Hadaway & Hadaway’s family solicitors are all members of Resolution, a national organisation of family lawyers. It follows the Resolution Code of Practice, which promotes a non-confrontational approach to family problems. It has solicitors with resolution specialist accreditations in children issues, finance and domestic abuse.
The team of experienced solicitors can help you with the full range of family issues including:
Divorce
Property and Financial matters
Disputes involving children
Separation
Civil Partnerships
Cohabitation
Adoption
Pre-Nuptial Agreements
Domestic Violence
Please see the website for details, www.hadaway.co.uk or contact the family department on 0191 272 9061.