"I’m considering divorcing my spouse. What should I be thinking about?"

Being sure that divorce is the right thing for you and your family is difficult. It’s the conclusion everyone should reach before they embark on the process that will draw their marriage to an end.

However getting to that point isn’t always straightforward. It isn’t always clear that a relationship has irretrievably broken down (the essential element of any divorce). Family pressures, particularly in the current climate, can lead to ‘bad patches’, which may or may not culminate in things breaking down for good.

So, it’s important to take your time to really reflect on your relationship and on what divorce would mean for you and those around you. Speaking with a family lawyer in those early days can help you build a picture of what the divorce process would involve and how your life could look afterwards.

“Will our children live with me?” is the question we are most commonly asked by clients contemplating divorce. It’s closely followed by “Who will keep the house?” and “How much will I have to pay/how much will I get from my ex?” These practical considerations will weigh differently depending on individual circumstances; it’s not unknown for clients to decide against divorce once they see its likely effects. Equally, a better understanding of the potential outcome cements others’ decision to carry on. The important point is that the best decisions are made when people know their options and fully appreciate the implications of taking a particular step.

As Family Law solicitors, we’re here to help you set off on the right path, as well as to help you achieve the outcome you’re looking for. People often think we step in to process the divorce and negotiate a good settlement or represent clients in court but that’s just a part of it. We can be in the background from the outset, advising clients on the difficult conversations they may need to have with their partner and other family members. We can calculate the likely financial outcome. We can help prepare our client to agree child contact arrangements and we can help steer things away from the court and towards a more constructive way of resolving issues.

For advice about separation, divorce or any other Family Law issue, contact one of our specialist solicitors on info@bsandi.co.uk or 01264 353411.