I was asked a question recently about how to find a Divorce Solicitor? There are of course the obvious answers: Google Search, asking friends, looking on the Law Society or Resolutions “Find a Solicitor”, etc. However, finding the “right” divorce solicitor for you is entirely different. As a woman I would equate it almost to like finding the right pair of shoes … an odd analogy you may think but it’s all about the fit.
When advising on divorce and the subsequent financial settlement we are dealing not just with facts and figures but people’s lives and emotions and these can be a big factor in what they decide. A client recently came to me having obtained their divorce via an online web service. I asked them what had attracted them to the online service – their immediate reply was cost. However, this particular client hadn’t realised that they had only dealt with the divorce and several years after the divorce had been finalised they discovered that their ex-spouse was now pursuing a financial settlement. The client had believed that this had been dealt with (all for a mere few hundred pounds) – sadly and unsurprisingly this was not the case.
With the aid of an experienced divorce solicitor, like ourselves, the financial information can be rapidly gathered and we can facilitate the negotiating of a financial settlement on divorce that both parties can live with. I should be clear that in family law, contrary to popular opinion, it’s not about winning or losing but about meeting needs and sharing.
Often, we find there is simply not enough money to go around and a good divorce solicitor will be able to “think outside the box” and help you explore other solutions. Equally the solicitor should look at meeting the needs of both parties, otherwise how can you persuade your spouse (or indeed the Court) that your proposal is the better one. Mediation is also an option that parties may wish to consider (which enables direct discussion between them). To help mediation work a good divorce solicitor will help with guidance on the provision of financial disclosures needed to enable direct discussions. A mediator can guide you on proposals, provide legal advice as the matter progresses and discuss ideas on the way forward to achieve a fair divorce settlement. A good divorce solicitor can ultimately help with drafting up the Consent Order to reflect any agreement reached to ensure protection for your future.
At Newnham & Jordan we believe in dealing with divorce and financial settlement holistically and looking at how both parties can move forward. We believe this approach helps parties to move forward, is practical and puts our client’s in the best position to reach a settlement swiftly with a saving both financially and emotionally.
To speak to us about your options please contact Fiona Pawsey on 01202877400 (Ferndown) or 01305 470051 (Weymouth) or via email on fiona@newnham-jordan.co.uk for a free initial appointment.
