Tips

Splitting up is never easy, but careful who you listen to when you discuss your Divorce or Dissolution.  People tend to tell you what they think you want to hear and while some "urban myths" are rooted in truth, most are not.

There are things you can do to make it a bit easier for yourself, your spouse/partner, and any children you may have. Here are our tips to help you keep your pride and sanity while spending a lot less on lawyers:

1. Speak to a specialist Solicitor immediately to find out where you stand.  We offer a half hour free advice session, so you can at least find out what to expect.  Get things wrong and you could be prevented from claiming any of the marital assets!

2. Remember, Legal Aid is not free and any costs you run up will be coming out of your share of the house or other assets.

3. Maintain dignity and respect as best you can.  You are splitting up, but you don't need to hate each other.

4. Prepare a list of all of the assets that you both own. Don't forget less obvious things like ongoing claims, pensions, money due from Wills or potential redundancy payments.

5. Deal with any joint bank account and lending facilities. Close or freeze these, while keeping copies of bank statements going back as far as you can. 

6. If you suspect your spouse/partner is working cash in hand, keep a diary of the work they are doing. 

7. If you have guaranteed any borrowing of your spouse/partner you need to inform the person you gave the guarantee to as soon as possible.

8. You need to tell your Tax Office/Department of Works and Pensions Office, your Local Authority and possibly your child's school about your separation.

9. Where still living with your spouse/partner think about having your mail redirected to a neutral address, setting up a new e-mail account and password protecting your computer. 

10. Change your next of kin details with your Doctor, Dentist and employer.  You should also change the next of kin details on documents such as your passport.

11. Make a new will.

12.  If you believe your spouse/partner is disposing of assets you must speak to a Solicitor immediately. 

For further help and assistance call us on (01525) 373322 or e-mail us.