Divorce D-Day: Things to Consider Before Calling Time on Your Marriage For some couples, spending a lot of time together over Christmas and New Year magnifies underlying major relationship issues. Which is why family law firms traditionally report seeing a spike in divorce enquiries during the month of January. But with more than 100,000 divorces granted each year, Helen Bradin, Partner at solicitors Bradin Trubshaw & Kirwan LLP, advises couples to first step back and fully assess their options before rushing to split up: The Christmas holiday season can be a Helen Bradin, Partner Bradin time when emotions run high and unhappy Trubshaw & Kirwan LLP based on partners feel pushed to breaking point. But in Beacon Street, Lichfield. my professional experience as a family law solicitor for 30 years, there are no winners when a relationship breaks down so it is vital to be sure that you have considered every aspect before calling time on your marriage. Relationship Counselling When a client comes to see me for the first time I am frank about what divorce or separation means in terms of time, finances and cost. Also if there is a chance that the marriage/relationship can be saved I advise that relationship counselling could help - Relate, for instance, offers face to face, phone and online counselling – but both parties need to be committed to making it work. Be Prepared to Compromise Splitting up is never easy. People experience a wide range of emotions from shock and denial to anger and hurt, disappointment and depression, self-doubt and failure, sadness, loss and guilt. Couples who work towards compromise however, particularly where children are involved, are most likely to come through the breakdown successfully. For instance, a parenting plan covering contact arrangements, holidays and schooling can help reduce the impact of a break-up on children. Collaboration Some people choose to separate without using a solicitor or to take periodic legal advice throughout the process. Partners can work with their respective solicitors in meetings to reach an agreement rather than going through the Courts. At Bradin Trubshaw & Kirwan LLP we are members of Resolution, meaning that we abide by a Code of Practice encouraging constructive and cost effective solutions to family problems. Separation Options Divorce is not the only available option. When a marriage comes to an end partners can elect to separate informally (without going to Court) by drawing up a Separation Agreement or to end the marriage formally by getting a divorce. Be aware though that an informal arrangement could be changed if it went to Court in the future so it is always advisable to get things in writing. If you choose to draw up a Separation Agreement it is a good idea to work out in advance what you wish it to cover, for example property, child and financial arrangements. However, a Court Order is the only final way of dealing with finances and a Separation Agreement could mean paying legal costs twice as it will need to be transferred into a Court Order at a later date. Professional Advice At Bradin Trubshaw & Kirwan LLP we appreciate that relationship break-ups can be complex – particularly where domestic violence is an issue – and that each is unique. Our extensive experience means that we understand what our clients are going through and can guide them through the process as pain free as possible to secure a fair and satisfactory outcome.
E
Emily joins the team
mily Snaith (18) from Swinfen, has achieved her dream job after completing a two-year with apprenticeship Anthony John Salons. Emily will now take to the salon floor as a stylist. As well as the in-house training apprentices receive from the awardwinning team, Creative Stylist Vicki holds a City and Guild’s assessor’s qualification (and is in the process of working towards her DTLLS teaching certificate), so apprentices have to ensure they hit the highest of all possible standards before they can progress. Anthony John Salons holds its apprentice training sessions on a Tuesday afternoon from 2pm. The salon is always looking for models so please contact the salon on 01543 481900 if interested.
Concert for Chairman’s Charities O
n Sunday 30 November Lichfield Sinfonia played in Nether Stowe School Hall and, due to the concert’s success, donated £1,000 to three local charities. The concert was played in aid of the Chairman of Lichfield District Council’s charities.These include Lichfield Cathedral East End Appeal, the Friends of St Peters Church in Stonnall and the Forces Children’s Trust. The concert was also sponsored by Tempest Ford, Lichfield. On the night the audience was treated to the Spanish concert pianist, Mario Mora, playing Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No 2. The concerto has been used many times for film scores, most notably in the classic Brief Encounter. Lichfield Sinfonia, under the direction of Sara Birchall, also played Dvorak’s Symphony No 8. Councillor David S Smith, Chairman of Lichfield District Council, said: “The concert was beautifully played and enjoyed by all. I am so grateful to Lichfield Sinfonia for choosing to support my charities. Their donation of £1,000 is really generous and I’d like to thank them once again for their support and for a wonderful evening of entertainment.” To find out more about Lichfield Sinfonia, visit www.lichfieldsinfonia.co.uk
For advice on family and other legal matters contact Bradin Trubshaw & Kirwan LLP on 01543 421840 for a consultation or email hcb@btksolicitors.com Page 24 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk
David Smith (left) shaking hands with concert pianist Mario Mora. County Cllr Janet Eagland is on the right.