Covid-19 has had a huge impact on our lives, and in particular on our livelihoods. Jobs have been lost, and millions have been placed on furlough. This has meant that now more than ever individuals have had to keep an eye on their finances.

As a consequence, you may be thinking now is not the right time to instruct a solicitor to assist with your Family matter, however it may be now more than ever that you need the advice of a solicitor.

Divorce

Many couples have decided during lockdown to separate, and many have been using lockdown to resolve issues of separation. Once the decision has been made to formally separate, you do need some advice from a solicitor.

For example, if you are married, you may not wish to divorce at the moment, but try and resolve your issues between you.  Each different route has a different outcome. Having a discussion with your solicitor will help you to come to a decision which is right for you.   If you decide that divorce is the route that you wish to take, a solicitor will also be able to draft the divorce petition for you, which in turn will help avoid unnecessary time delays as petitions are returned if drafted incorrectly.

Finances

It is really important to obtain tailored legal advice when discussing finances with your ex partner. There isn’t a one size fits all approach, and if instructed your solicitor will obtain financial information from your ex partner. This means that all income and assets are laid out on the table so that you can see clearly what will be best for you, your ex partner and your children. Your solicitor will be able to advise you as to what they believe would be a fair and just outcome. Once the finances are agreed, your solicitor can then draft the documentation to reflect that agreement.

Your solicitor will always help you negotiate with your ex partner or their solicitors.  Contrary to popular belief, family solicitors do try and encourage you to resolve issues without the need of the court.  But they can advise you when court becomes necessary, and help draft the appropriate application and navigate you through the procedure.

Unmarried Couples

Unmarried couples have very few legal rights over any assets or property owned by the other person. This is in stark contract to the rights you have within a marriage.  The law governing cohabitees is complex, and your solicitor will assist you in setting out your case in the best way.

Living Together

We can also advise you prior to living with your partner on agreements to provide clarity to both of you about who pays what, and who gets what if you decide to separate.  Whilst couples do not enter into a cohabiting relationship thinking about splitting up, it is a really good way of providing you both with certainty if that does happen.

Children

Since March and the increased prevalence of coronavirus, we have noticed an increase in the number of instructions on children matters. During this unprecedented time, parents have disagreed on who should be spending time with the children, and whether children should be going to school.  In addition, children have often become unsettled with changes to their routines, and sometimes it’s really difficult to find agreement between parents about how to deal with those problems.

All of our Family team at Ridley & Hall Solicitors are members of Resolution. Resolution is a group of family lawyers who promote a non-confrontational approach to resolving family disputes. We actively encourage solutions which consider the needs of the whole family, and in particular the best interests of the children. We are able to work with you to find the best solution for your family, one that works not just during this uncertain period, but going forward as we move into a ‘new normal’.  We also have a qualified mediator who can work with a couple to try and help them have difficult discussions to resolve issues.

Ridley & Hall Solicitors remain open and are able to assist you with your family matter during this pandemic. If you would like to speak with a family law specialist at Ridley & Hall Solicitors, please freephone 0800 8 60 62 65.

Victoria Jones – Family & Matrimonial Paralegal