What Not To Do When Filing For Divorce
Applications for divorce surge in January, especially the first week after the New Year, as people decide to start the new year with a clean slate after what can be a very stressful Christmas holiday.
Being with your partner for many days when a marriage is already experiencing problems is an issue but add the pressure of in-laws and putting on a “happy face” for visitors and it can quickly reach breaking point.
Sara Plant, Partner and Head of Family Law commented “Christmas for some couples can be fraught with lots of tension, emotion and financial issues which can expose the fractures in an already strained relationship. We see this reflected in the volume of divorce applications we receive in the New Year”.
Whilst Christmas can mean breaking point for some, applying for divorce through anger can also cause many issues. Sara Commented “Our advice is to be strategic. You need to protect yourself, your children and your assets so making such a big decision when emotionally charged can cause problems further down the line”.
From a financial point of view, divorce is one of the biggest decisions you will make and handled incorrectly, can have devastating results on your finances, especially if your partner earns more money or you are forced to sell your home. To that end alone, it is imperative you seek legal advice before making any announcements.
“Don’t rush and think about the end game” advises Sara. “Many people apply for divorce quickly and sometimes out of anger, especially if there has been infidelity, but it is better to be strategic”.
In situations where high value assets are concerned, obtaining financial records first before announcing the divorce will save time and money in the future, especially if your partner has the ability to try and hide assets.
Sara Plant continued “We use a variety of resources from property valuers to forensic accountants and even antique valuers and whilst we have the means to identify and locate assets, it saves time and money if the documentation relating to assets is provided at the outset”.
For expert advice on matters relating to divorce, contact Peter Lynn & Partners.
We have one of the largest, and with the level of expertise on offer, arguably the best Divorce & Family Law teams in the region and offer a sympathetic yet professional service in a confidential manner.
To arrange a meeting with Sara Plant or one of her team, call 01792 450010 or email [email protected]