Why drafting your own Divorce proceedings is not always a good idea
Author: Nicola Conley
Divorce is one of the most stressful situations that you can go through. It is emotional, causes much anxiety and your mind is in turmoil so you may not be thinking rationally. Whilst a lot of people start their divorce proceedings themselves by completing the forms on line, we often speak to people who have completed the documents incorrectly, and then face the added stress and burden of trying to rectify the errors.
People also find the process daunting and feel relieved that someone else, like a Solicitor, is supporting them, both legally and emotionally. Even those who have been involved in the process before find a benefit in someone acting on their behalf and advising them on the various decisions that have to be made.
People do not always appreciate that some of the decisions that they make at the beginning of a divorce can have a significant impact on the outcome of their separation. Therefore, it is vital that you get the right information and advice at the beginning and understand the implications of the decisions and choices that you make.
Our family law team have a wealth of experience and knowledge in dealing with divorce, separation, children issues and the division of finances and they try to make the process as smooth as possible. For some, receiving communication direct, particularly if it is from your former spouse or partner, can cause a lot of anguish, so having a Solicitor to look after the correspondence for you minimises that distress
It is also essential that the financial aspects of your separation are correctly documented, to not only protect your financial position but also to prevent the other party making future, unexpected financial claims. It is important that you receive the correct legal advice to ensure that any financial settlement is, indeed, accurately and correctly documented. Many people do not realise that without a financial agreement in place, either party is able to come back in the future and make a financial claim against property, pensions or assets.
Our family law team is headed up by experienced matrimonial Partner, Andrew Christmas, who is supported across all three offices by Solicitors Nicola Conley (Dorking), Sarah Bradford (Godalming), Sarah Gillen and experienced Consultant Solicitor, Valerie Cooper (Cobham).
Our lawyers are members of Resolution, an organisation that believes in a constructive and non-confrontational approach to resolving family disputes. Members encourage solutions which take into account the needs of the whole family, including the best interests of any children, and will aim to steer clients away from Court proceedings, if at all possible. However, should the occasion arise we can represent our client should Court proceedings need to be issued, or upon receipt of proceedings.
The team maintain a high level of knowledge, skills, experience and practice in the specialist areas of family law, to include financial remedies, children proceedings, child abduction, domestic violence and abuse, cohabitation disputes, and complex asset cases.
If you are going through a relationship breakdown and need advice please contact a member of our family law team.
