News
Is divorce going out of fashion?
October 2008
ACCORDING TO THE LATEST FIGURES released by the Office for National Statistics, there were 144,220 divorces in the UK in 2007, 2.6% fewer than the previous year. This actually represents a 20% drop from the highest level in 1993.
At this time, we are seeing a rise in the number of so-called “City divorces”. The credit crunch inevitably puts a strain on marriage and wives are deciding to divorce before the generous bonuses of recent years become a thing of the past. Many husbands in the City who come to see us have often felt unsupported at home, particularly during a time of considerable pressure and uncertainty in the workplace; the added financial worries of school fees, hefty mortgages, credit card debts, etc. exacerbate the situation. There is no magic formula for a successful marriage but a key component is to maintain good levels of communication throughout these stressful times.
There are of course fewer marriages than in the past and people are marrying later in life. Indeed, many couples choose not to marry at all. As a specialist Family Law Practice, we offer a variety of solutions to our clients’ relationship matters, such as Cohabitation Agreements, Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements, Declarations of Trust and we undertake Mediation.
If a relationship ends and a couple decides to separate, there are various methods by which agreements concerning the family finances and contact with any children can be reached; it does not automatically mean that matters will end up in Court. Recourse to the courts is the most costly solution in time, money, stress and the irreparable damage to family relationships. Negotiations can take place between solicitors without any involvement of the Court and we are able to draft a Court Order, which will be placed before a Judge reflecting the agreement reached and without the need for either party to attend in person.
Of course, there are instances where a firm hand is needed and Court proceedings are the only option. We are able to offer our own Advocacy Services to our clients, where appropriate, to save costs. Where it is necessary to instruct Counsel, we use the Leading Chambers in the country.
If your relationship has ended, the most important step is to seek advice early to enable you to assess your options. Instruct a solicitor in whom you have complete confidence and with whom you can confide, but also whose judgement you trust and who is technically able. All the Family Lawyers at Osbornes are members of Resolution. Lisa Pepper is an Associate at Osbornes. She is a member of Resolution which is an organisation of 4,700 lawyers and family justice professionals who believe in a constructive, non confrontational approach to family law matters. Lisa is a regular speaker at the London College of Law and will shortly qualify as a Collaborative Lawyer. She can be contacted on 020 7485 8811 or by email: lisapepper@osbornes.net. |
