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End of the six weeks holiday. Time to think?

The seemingly endless six-week summer kids’ holiday is finally drawing to a close. The necessary preparations for the upcoming school year have been made – uniforms pressed, school shoes polished and new school bags neatly arranged in the hallway.

September marks a time of new beginnings as children embark on new classes or even new schools. It can also be a turning point in relationships, as many couples who have endured the long holiday period find themselves at their breaking point and begin considering divorce.

As divorce lawyers, we often witness an increase in enquiries about ending marriages as soon as the children return to school. This trend is particularly noticeable during the summer months when families may go away and attempt to enjoy the hopefully pleasant weather. August tends to be a quieter month for us family lawyers.

Following the summer holidays, financial troubles often arise, which is especially significant in the current challenging economic climate. Additionally, spending extended periods of time together can expose the underlying issues in a relationship. Just think about the surge in divorces following the COVID lockdowns.

If you are contemplating separation after the summer holidays, what should be your next steps?

Initiating a divorce

While a significant portion of the initial divorce process can be completed online, it is crucial to seek specialized legal advice, particularly regarding your finances.

The first step in the divorce process is to fill out a divorce application by submitting a Form D8 online or via mail. After this, a 20-week cooling off period is required before you can apply for the conditional order.

After an additional 6 weeks, you can apply for the final order, which legally dissolves your marriage. However, this does not automatically sever the financial ties between you and your ex-spouse that were established during your marriage.

Financial settlements

Money and assets must be addressed separately during the divorce process to ensure that you are no longer financially tied to your ex-spouse. A consent order must be in place to finalize and enforce the settlement.

Financial settlements can become complex, which is why, at Alexander JLO, we have a network of financial advisers, pension experts, property specialists, budget experts and accountants available to support you.

What about the children?

The divorce process can be incredibly disruptive for children. Maintaining their routines and regular activities, such as school, is crucial for providing stability and a sense of security. Prioritising this aspect is essential for minimising feelings of displacement and anxiety.

A poorly managed divorce can have long-term effects on children, potentially leading to separation anxiety in younger children or resentment and distance in older children.

There is professional and legal support available for parents navigating the challenges of divorce, whether their children are infants or teenagers. We are fully equipped to assist in navigating what can easily become choppy waters with a sympathetic and definitive strategy to suit yours and the children’s needs.

Your lawyer can be immensely helpful in making emotional and practical decisions, and seeking expert legal advice is crucial when considering children and what can often be challenging financial decisions.

Divorce can be a daunting experience, but we have specialist lawyers and professionals ready to assist you every step of the way. Please reach out for help to guide you through this journey.

If you need assistance in any area of divorce, financial arrangements, children or any aspect of family law why not contact one of our experts on 020 7537 7000 or email peter@london-law.co.uk for a free, no obligation consultation and see what Alexander JLO can do for you.

This blog was prepared by Alexander JLO’s senior partner, Peter Johnson on the 28th August 2024 and is correct at the time of publication. With decades of experience in almost all areas of law Peter is happy to assist with any legal issue that you have. He is widely regarded as one of the capital’s leading divorce lawyers. His profile on the independent Review Solicitor website can be found Here