It came to my attention that 6th January was “Divorce Day” and coincidentally I was writing this article. Sadly some people will have decided to separate after Christmas. The ONS reveal that divorce rates are falling but still 4 in 10 marriages end. Looking back over the last 20 years, there have been many changes in the way people meet their new partners and the modern relationship and family exist in many different forms. Our ever changing society has required the introduction of law to formalise different relationships and inevitably to provide a framework in the event of their dissolution. There are now new ways to formalise your relationship. Civil Partnerships are available to opposite sex couples which gives an alternative to marriage. Whilst it may be that divorce rates will fall further, whether that will be replaced by more Civil Partnership dissolutions, only time will tell. Most people will have tried everything to save their marriage/relationship but sadly sometimes it is unsalvageable. From experience, dealing with the legal process in an amicable way usually results in parties reaching agreements which are palatable, enabling them to move forward positively with their lives.
If you would like to discuss further please contact me
Helen Saunders Accredited Family Law Specialist with Resolution, at Beers Solicitors, 01548 857000