At each New Year many of us take stock and think about how we can improve our lives. Work colleagues, friends, and family will make a New Year resolution to stop smoking, eat more healthily, or join a gym. But for anyone caught up in a difficult relationship, separation from their partner can be high on the agenda. Very often a stressful Christmas drives people to look outside the relationship for the key to their future happiness.
Here are our 4 top tips if you are thinking of separating:
- Obtain proper legal advice
Google is rarely the answer in these situations. And advice from well-meaning friends or colleagues can be misleading, as every case is different. Remember, mistakes can be costly, whether it is in dividing up the family assets, or in maintaining access to your children.
- Make the children your priority
You must reassure your children that the separation is not their fault, and that you both love them. Try to avoid disruption and change to their routine. Agree a parenting plan to clarify arrangements for the children.
- Get your finances in order
Separating will usually involve one of you moving out of the family home. Look at your finances and think about mortgage payments, bills, and child maintenance. You should also budget for the costs involved in setting up a new home.
- Make use of your support network
Family, friends and colleagues are a key source of support, and may have been through a separation themselves. But remember that the decisions you make should be right for you and your family.
Separating from a partner is difficult and upsetting. Honest, professional advice from an experienced Family Law solicitor can help to relieve the pressure, as well as make sure you make the right decisions for your future.
It can be stressful and complicated when relationships break down. Bretherton Law’s experienced Family and Child Law Solicitors have been helping people with changes in their circumstances for over 50 years. We are accredited specialists and members of Resolution and Law Society’s Children Panel. For honest, sympathetic advice call Atifha Aftab on 01727 869293, or us the contact form below.
