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Divorce Lawyer's New Year Tips
14 January 2010 :: Newbury Business Today (Newbury Weekly News).

Divorce instructions to solicitors hit their peak each January. Relationships, which were already under strain before Christmas, are often further undermined by the stresses of the season.

Local family lawyer, Tony Roe, is all too used to this pattern. “Sadly, specialist solicitors get a lot of enquiries at this time of year. Historically, my firm has always offered tips to those faced with such problems”.

Here are a few pointers to those contemplating getting legal advice:

• Don’t assume all is lost. Speak to Relate before you speak to a lawyer, www.relate.org.uk.
• Focus on the children. Don’t let them see tensions between you and your (former) partner.
• Keep open channels of communication with your (former) partner.
• If you do decide to take legal advice, speak to a solicitor who is a member of Resolution and follows its Code of Practice, www.resolution.org.uk.
• Speak to your chosen solicitor on the ‘phone before arranging the meeting as personal chemistry with your lawyer matters. Ask about likely fees.
• Before the meeting, jot down a list of questions you want answered and prepare a chronology, or timeline, of your relationship. This helps get the best use out of your appointment.
• Remember that getting confidential advice does not mean that you are giving up on the relationship.
• Take a friend or relative with you to the first meeting with your solicitor: it helps to bounce the issues around afterwards.
• Get up to speed with your financial position. Who owns what? Do a budget. Check the status of any joint mortgage and/or joint accounts.
• Don’t neglect your health. Consult a GP if necessary.

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