Relationship problems have been in the news over the course of the last two weeks.

First, Fern Britton and Phil Vickery have announced their decision to separate.  This does sound like an amicable separation.

And then there was Phillip Schofield.  It’s unclear what he and his wife have decided to do, but again it sounds to be an amicable decision.

Believe it or not, family lawyers like to deal with amicable separations.  There is a general misconception that family lawyers like to “stir the pot” and cause trouble between separating couples.  At Ridley & Hall all our family lawyers are members of Resolution – a community of family justice professionals who work with families and individuals to resolve issues in a constructive way.  Resolution have a code of conduct that we all subscribe to.  We take great pains not to cause unnecessary difficulties when a relationship breaks down.  That doesn’t mean we don’t give clients advice.  We do, but we do not write inflammatory letters to the other person or their solicitors. We are firm and calm in our correspondence.

Some think that if it is amicable, you don’t need a solicitor.  That again is a common misconception. Some common questions are:

1. What is the process of divorce?
2. How do I go about it?
3. We’ve agreed finances, how do I make sure they are legally binding?

We can help you with this!

The advantage  is that if you are not fighting over assets, or children, the costs of divorce and separation will be significantly less than if litigation ensues.

Here at Ridley & Hall we offer initial telephone advice, and for more detailed advice, we offer a fixed fee service. If you need help in finding a way forward that works for you both, please give us a call on our freephone number 0800 8 60 62 65.

Vicky Medd Partner – Family & Matrimonial