J G Q C Solicitors

It is often the case these three areas are interlinked although each do often need separate consideration. There are a number of options available to a couple following the breakdown of a relationship. The most common of these are separation and divorce. Separation may happen when the couple do not wish to obtain a divorce and simply decide to live separately and apart.

Family Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process which helps joint decision making without the use of courts. Due to recent changes in government thinking, family mediation is slowly becoming the preferred method to resolve and prevent disputes. It is a legally privileged process which mean anything said in mediation cannot be disclosed in court unless both parties agree.

When the marriage finally breaks down you need to ensure any arrangements entered into benefit all parties, with the first consideration being given to the children of the family. When a couple finally decides that the marriage has ended either party can seek to divorce the other. The person issuing the divorce is known as the "Petitioner" and the person being divorced is known as the "Respondent".

Your children will always come first but you may well need money to live and make sure your children are properly cared for. Even families in modest circumstances have numerous matters to resolve with regard to their children and finances. Decisions which may affect your future and that of your children, should not be taken before you talk to your solicitor.

Talking to each other during the breakdown of a relationship can seem the hardest thing to do. Anger, hurt and bitterness are often the strongest feelings. However often the best solutions are those which you can work out for yourselves, and in which everyone involved can share.

Collaborative law is simple about reaching solutions together to try and ease the pain of the breakdown of the relationship and hopefully create a better chance of having a brighter future.If a traditional divorce path is followed then both parties will seek their own independent legal advice from specialist lawyers.