By Brenda Spain, Head of Family Law team

The coronavirus crisis is redefining lifestyles and the boundaries of our interactions; a situation that can challenge even the strongest bonds. 

Over the course of this week I will be sharing a series of five short articles covering various aspects of divorce and separation as well as things to consider especially under the current lockdown.

In this first post, I look at:

Deciding whether your relationship has run its course

If you’re going through a difficult period, you may have decided that you must try and reconcile your differences, or else wait until the lockdown ends,
before trying to separate. Assuming there is no issue over personal safety, the decision is likely to be dictated by financial circumstances. Funding
two homes is daunting when job security is under threat and investments have crashed, and that’s before considering how to identify and move into alternative
accommodation under lockdown.

If the result is that you are going to try and live apart while still in the same house, in anticipation of separation later, it’s worth approaching it
in a structured way, and tackling the bigger issues, such as agreeing who gets which rooms or areas, how you will share the household expenses and
how you will present the situation to any children living with you.

It is a good idea to put such arrangements in writing. You can do this yourselves, or with a professional adviser or mediator, and involving them at an
early stage can help avoid the obvious pitfalls, while also giving you some moral support. Such guidance becomes vital where the decision is taken
to start divorce proceedings, when legal and financial advice is important from the very beginning.

In terms of administration, the courts have confirmed that online applications will continue, with the divorce petition processed from application through
decree nisi to decree absolute without any need for face-to-face contact.

Applications for orders relating to children and safety issues, are being prioritised by the Court. Orders for children can be made online or via your
solicitor.

Tomorrow I will share post two of five, in which I will be looking at Progressing divorce in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brenda

If you would like any further information about our Family Law services, please contact a member of the Family Law team on 01244 356 789 or email info@cullimoredutton.co.uk.

Please be assured we are open for business, our team are working remotely supporting, helping and advising our clients and we are happy to receive new
enquiries.

Please note: This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.