Relationship breakdown

3 Ways to a more dignified divorce

emeryjohnson supports the growing number of couples seeking a constructive settlement of their differences, by avoiding protracted arguments and, where necessary, achieving ongoing co-operation in decisions concerning children.

Our practice is one of only three in Leicester offering formal Mediation.  We also practice Collaborative Law and are members of Resolution.

If you're considering ending your current relationship, you might be interested to know that it doesn't have to be all bitterness and acrimony.  Once you've decided which of the approaches below might suit you best, contact us to discuss your options for a happier life ahead.

Mediation

Mediators are impartial independent professionals whose aim is to help you find a sensible, practical solution together with your partner which you both believe is "fair".  They can give you general information about the law but they cannot give you personal legal advice.
Mediation can help to reduce hostility and improve relations between you and your spouse.

Mediation can be useful when trying to sort out finances and, especially, disagreements regarding children, since you are likely to have to cooperate over their care and upbringing for some years.

One of emeryjohnson's specialist family team is a qualified mediator. If you and your partner are interested in mediation, please contact us for more details.

You will need to see your solicitor before your first mediation session, and between sessions, so she can advise you of your rights and tell you what the law would consider equitable and fair in financial matters. Once you have reached an agreement, your solicitor can draw up formal documents which could be made into a court order.

Mediation is available to all clients regardless of whether you are in receipt of Legal Aid or are paying privately, but is unlikely to be suitable if domestic abuse or the risk of violence is the reason you are seeking a divorce.

Collaborative law

Collaborative law offers a new, holistic approach to agreeing matters in divorce in a dignified, non aggressive manner. Couples, their lawyers and other professionals, work together in round table meetings to negotiate agreements to resolve financial and other issues without the involvement of the courts.

emeryjohnson has a qualified partner trained in Collaborative Law. Should you and your partner choose this new approach, protected by the expert advice of your emeryjohnson solicitor, you will feel you have more control over events because you don't have to let a Judge, with the wide jurisdiction of the law, make decisions on important matters.

As with all emeryjohnson cases, any children's interests will remain at the forefront throughout the process. And because neither of you is out to seek revenge or retribution, you should both be able to maintain amicable contact with each other, family and friends during negotiations and beyond.

Collaboration is only available to privately paying clients as it is not funded by the Legal Services Commission.  Please contact us for more information.

Conventional representation

Even if you choose a more conventional approach, emeryjohnson solicitors are committed to helping you finalise your divorce in a constructive and sensitive way wherever possible and ensuring that disputes over money and property do not get in the way of agreeing arrangements for children.

This is done in the absence of formal mediation or collaboration ie through independent representation but is based on our experience as specialist family solicitors and members of Resolution.

Resolution

Resolution is an organisation which was founded with the aim of improving the practice of family solicitors to prevent the legal process increasing acrimony between separating couples and to avoid family law being seen as just another type of litigation.

Resolution has been instrumental in driving changes to family law via the widespread adoption of its Code of Practice which sets out the principles of a non-confrontational approach to family law matters and which all members must agree to follow.

Resolution operates a specialist accreditation scheme through which members, like emeryjohnson, must demonstrate a high level of skill in family law as well as a specialist knowledge on specific family law subjects.

Resolution also pioneered mediation training exclusively for lawyers.

Like other mediation professionals, Resolution mediators aim to help separating couples achieve a constructive settlement of their differences in a way which avoids protracted arguments and promotes co-operation between parents in decisions concerning children.

The right approach for you

Of course, at emeryjohnson we understand that not all relationships can end so amicably so if the going gets tough, you can rely on your emeryjohnson solicitor to provide powerful advocacy to fight your corner.

We also recognise that everyones circumstances are different and that what might be best for one person may not be for another. It is therefore important that we discuss your options thoroughly to ensure we offer the right solution for you.

If you're ready to make the break and start a happier life, contact us to discuss the right approach to suit your circumstances.