There is an increasing trend for couples to split up in their 50s or 60s or even later in life, meaning they need to call on solicitors in Ipswich to help reach a settlement. The Office for National Statistics recently revealed that the number of people separating over the age of 60 has nearly doubled in the space of just 10 years. Often these couples have been together for 30 years or more, but sometimes it is a second marriage for one or both of them.
It is likely that couples of this age will have shared assets, and there is also the difficult task of finding a fair settlement over pension rights, so a break-up will not be straightforward. This means it is important to find expert family solicitors in East Anglia who will be able to help during the process of divorce and ensure it goes smoothly.
As solicitors based in Ipswich with 25 years of experience, Barker Gotelee have the knowledge and expertise to help older couples who are undergoing a divorce. We have a specialist family law department as well as other sections dealing with issues such as property, wills and trusts. This means that, if you are splitting up with your partner of many years, we are fully equipped to answer all your questions and give you advice during this difficult time.
Solicitors in Ipswich – Get in touch now for more information.
Reaching a Fair Settlement
Whatever the age of a couple when they split up, the best way forward is to try to keep things as amicable as possible. When it comes to reaching a legal settlement, the aim must be to avoid blame and try to reach a fair solution for both parties. It is no help to anybody to start going back over arguments and misunderstandings which may reach back many years and have little bearing on the current situation.
It is important to get expert advice from solicitors based locally in Ipswich as early as possible in the separation process, but it is also helpful if you are able to communicate with your ex-partner directly, as reaching agreement over some of the basic issues can save on legal time and costs. If you find it hard to talk to one another, or to reach agreement, professional mediation could be of help, and we can refer you to our experienced mediation department.
Waiting Until the Children Have Grown Up
One reason why couples sometimes wait until later in life before ending their marriage is that children are likely to be older, so there is no need for complicated agreements involving child support and access. However, if, for instance, your older children are away at university, or still living at home while working, there could still be difficult issues to solve. It is inevitable that the break-up will cause upset to the whole family even if the children are grown up – and there is also the whole question of access to grandchildren.
Also, some family solicitors in Suffolk and elsewhere in the UK are finding that complications are caused by adult children, who may be angry with one parent's new partner. There is a risk that their involvement may inflame the tension all round. Some adult children want to safeguard their own inheritances, and in some cases solicitors are even having to hold meetings with them to try to defuse the situation. Barker Gotelee has a department of Private Client solicitors, so we have all the expertise to help deal with disputes over inheritance and estate planning.
Pension Issues
Pensions are an especially important issue for older couples who are splitting, and actuarial valuations are likely to be necessary to work out exactly what these assets are worth. As well as the cash value of pension pots, there is also the need to work out projected incomes for both you and your ex-partner, bearing in mind your different ages and what yourlife expectancy is likely to be.
A fair and workable solution over all assets, including pension pots, must be reached in order to avoid any problem arising with the divorce settlement later on. For many couples, their pension funds are their main asset, and there has been a growth in the number of pension-sharing orders issued by courts in Britain in the last few years.
Property and Assets
While pensions are a particularly vital consideration for 'silver splitters', there are also other assets which need to be considered in a settlement, including savings and any property which the couple own either together or separately. Our solicitors in the property department can offer expert advice on questions ranging from the future of the family home to second homes and holiday homes abroad, and also look at the tax implications in the sale of any property. Our team of business solicitors are also on hand if there are any questions about your business assets.
About Barker Gotelee
Barker Gotelee is a firm of solicitors based in Ipswich, with expertise in family law, divorce law and many other legal areas. We serve many clients in Woodbridge, Aldeburgh and Martlesham, and also across Suffolk and East Anglia.
Tuesday 17 December 2013
Thursday 5 December 2013
Protecting the Legal Interests of Children
Many legal issues have a direct impact upon children under the age of 18. At Barker Gotelee, solicitors in Ipswich, we have extensive expertise on legal issues which involve children, helping to ensure outcomes which will properly take into account their needs.
Whether you are considering a marriage break-up or are worried about your child’s education, at certain stages of your child’s life you may have a legal issue you will want to address. Fortunately, Barker Gotelee solicitors in Suffolk can help you tackle the various issues that may arise. From protecting the best interests of your child in a divorce or separation, to making safe financial provision for your children in the future, this article outlines the various ways Barker Gotelee solicitors in Ipswich can help you achieve your requirements.
Divorce Solicitors Suffolk – Click here to find out more about how we can protect the interests of your child during a divorce, or to find out about our mediation service.
Mediation During Divorce – Going through a divorce is an extremely stressful time – you may feel a complete lack of control, or find yourself so bogged down with the details that it is difficult to find a way forward. It may be that you are struggling to agree on a financial settlement or the arrangements to make for the children. In these cases, a third party can help you see things more clearly, keep court costs down, and help you reach an amicable solution for your childcare arrangements.
If you feel that all communication has broken down between you and your former partner or spouse, we work though these issues and can arrange for mediation to take place in separate rooms. Whatever your particular requirements, Barker Gotelee divorce solicitors, Suffolk, have years of experience in this field and will find the best way forward for you and your children.
Schools Appeals – At Barker Gotelee solicitors in Ipswich we understand how important your child’s education is, and how disappointing it feels if your child hasn’t been offered a place in the right school. However, there are still options available to you and you can appeal against the local authority decision. We offer a specialist school appeals service, and will talk things over before the appeals hearing to see if you have a case to present to the panel. We will make sure that all your paperwork is filled in correctly, and you are well versed to present your case fully to the appeal/s panel. If you feel you lack the confidence to present your child’s case before the panel, we can also represent you at the hearing and speak on behalf of your child.
Wills and Inheritance – As a parent, wills are vital whatever your age: it is impossible to predict the future, and for that reason it is important that provisions are in place should the worst happen. We are highly experienced in wills and asset protection and will talk through your needs to ensure that all your wishes and concerns are taken into account. Our experts will review your estate, take tax considerations into account, and advise you on the best way forward to ensure that the right financial provisions are made for your children, and (depending on your circumstances) your family wealth is kept in place for future generations. We will also look at clarity of guardianship and the appointment of trustees, so you will have complete peace of mind that your children are well provided for and cared for long into the future, whatever the circumstances.
Accident and Negligence Claims – Accidents can happen and the consequences of these can vary considerably from a small inconvenience to a permanent disability, and in some cases the loss of a family member. Our accident solicitors in Ipswich will ensure that the claims made on behalf of children, whether in respect of injury to themselves or the loss of a parent, take into account their future health, happiness and education needs. We have experience in dealing in all fields of accident and negligence claims, from holiday catastrophes and injuries, to work related injuries, road traffic collisions, product liability, landowner’s liability, and injuries from animals or livestock. Just contact our department now to find out how we can help.
Solicitors in Ipswich – Barker Gotelee have years of experience in dealing with private and commercial clients in Suffolk. Click here for full information on how we can help protect the legal interests of your children.
Whether you are considering a marriage break-up or are worried about your child’s education, at certain stages of your child’s life you may have a legal issue you will want to address. Fortunately, Barker Gotelee solicitors in Suffolk can help you tackle the various issues that may arise. From protecting the best interests of your child in a divorce or separation, to making safe financial provision for your children in the future, this article outlines the various ways Barker Gotelee solicitors in Ipswich can help you achieve your requirements.
Divorce Solicitors Suffolk – Click here to find out more about how we can protect the interests of your child during a divorce, or to find out about our mediation service.
Mediation During Divorce – Going through a divorce is an extremely stressful time – you may feel a complete lack of control, or find yourself so bogged down with the details that it is difficult to find a way forward. It may be that you are struggling to agree on a financial settlement or the arrangements to make for the children. In these cases, a third party can help you see things more clearly, keep court costs down, and help you reach an amicable solution for your childcare arrangements.
If you feel that all communication has broken down between you and your former partner or spouse, we work though these issues and can arrange for mediation to take place in separate rooms. Whatever your particular requirements, Barker Gotelee divorce solicitors, Suffolk, have years of experience in this field and will find the best way forward for you and your children.
Schools Appeals – At Barker Gotelee solicitors in Ipswich we understand how important your child’s education is, and how disappointing it feels if your child hasn’t been offered a place in the right school. However, there are still options available to you and you can appeal against the local authority decision. We offer a specialist school appeals service, and will talk things over before the appeals hearing to see if you have a case to present to the panel. We will make sure that all your paperwork is filled in correctly, and you are well versed to present your case fully to the appeal/s panel. If you feel you lack the confidence to present your child’s case before the panel, we can also represent you at the hearing and speak on behalf of your child.
Wills and Inheritance – As a parent, wills are vital whatever your age: it is impossible to predict the future, and for that reason it is important that provisions are in place should the worst happen. We are highly experienced in wills and asset protection and will talk through your needs to ensure that all your wishes and concerns are taken into account. Our experts will review your estate, take tax considerations into account, and advise you on the best way forward to ensure that the right financial provisions are made for your children, and (depending on your circumstances) your family wealth is kept in place for future generations. We will also look at clarity of guardianship and the appointment of trustees, so you will have complete peace of mind that your children are well provided for and cared for long into the future, whatever the circumstances.
Accident and Negligence Claims – Accidents can happen and the consequences of these can vary considerably from a small inconvenience to a permanent disability, and in some cases the loss of a family member. Our accident solicitors in Ipswich will ensure that the claims made on behalf of children, whether in respect of injury to themselves or the loss of a parent, take into account their future health, happiness and education needs. We have experience in dealing in all fields of accident and negligence claims, from holiday catastrophes and injuries, to work related injuries, road traffic collisions, product liability, landowner’s liability, and injuries from animals or livestock. Just contact our department now to find out how we can help.
Solicitors in Ipswich – Barker Gotelee have years of experience in dealing with private and commercial clients in Suffolk. Click here for full information on how we can help protect the legal interests of your children.
Tuesday 22 October 2013
How Solicitors in Ipswich Can Help Sort Out Property Problems During a Divorce
When a couple split up, there are many questions that have to be dealt with, and finalising an agreement may need the help of expert solicitors based in Ipswich. One of the major issues for most people in this situation is reaching a fair decision over any property they own, whether together or separately.
This could obviously include decisions over the family home, but with some couples it could be that each partner owns a house. Others may have both a main family home and a second holiday or weekend home, either in the UK or abroad. It is clearly essential that each individual’s circumstances are fully considered in order to ensure a fair overall settlement which will not have to be changed later on.
As well as being expert divorce solicitors, Suffolk-based Barker Gotelee have a specialist property law department which can be called on to help with any complicated questions to do with properties. You can rely on us to help you reach a settlement as fairly and as amicably as possible, so that you can start to look to the future once again.
Solicitors in Ipswich – click here to find out more about our service.
What Happens to the Family Home?
For many divorcing couples, the family home is their major asset and one of the most important questions they need to settle is what should happen to it. The best solution may often be for one partner to continue living there, while the other moves to another property. If this is decided on, the partner who is still living there may buy the other one out. Alternatively, another possibility is for the home to be sold and for the couple to split the money between them so they can each buy another property.
Whichever solution is decided on, it is important to be aware that the sharing of equity in the house will not always amount to a 50-50 split; there are various factors which need to be considered. These could include the welfare of the family's children, the financial circumstances of each partner both now and before they married, and how long the marriage has lasted.
The family home will not just be considered in isolation but as part of the whole break-up, so, for instance, if there are other large assets such as a pension pot or business interests, then these will have to be looked at as well in finding a fair settlement. There can also be complications such as a court saying that a house should not be solduntil the children reach a certain age. To ensure that the whole picture is looked at and in order to reach a fair settlement, it is best to consult family solicitors in Ipswich, such as Barker Gotelee.
Questions over Second Properties
Sometimes a couple do not just have one home that needs to be considered during a break-up. For instance, they may have two homes if they were only together for a short while and each still has their own house. Or, in some instances they might have bought a house together while one partner also owns another property. In the case of short-lived marriages, the courts will normally aim to reach a fair settlement which leaves each partner in the same position they were in before they married, and again your divorce solicitors can advise on this.
Couples may also have a second property, whether in another part of the UK or abroad, such as a holiday house or villa that is rented out when not in use. It is important that any assets like this are taken into account in reaching a settlement.
If your second home is abroad, it can make the divorce settlement more complicated, and problems over disposing of this type of property are now involved in a lot of break-ups. Many properties in Europe have lost a lot of value as a result of economic problems of recent years and are proving difficult to sell. Sometimes neither partner wants to take them on, especially if there is a mortgage to be paid.
Tax Implications
When a property settlement is involved in a divorce, the tax position of each partner can be complicated, with questions arising over whether they will have to pay capital gains tax on their share of a particular property. It is important to get expert advice on this, and this is another area where solicitors based locally in Ipswich can help you. As well as being expert divorce solicitors, Barker Gotelee has a department specialising in wills, trusts and tax, and we can call on this expertise if needed.
About Barker Gotelee
We at Barker Gotelee have 25 years of experience as solicitors in Ipswich, and we have an expert family law department to help you to achieve a fair settlement when a marriage ends. We serve the whole of Suffolk and East Anglia and can provide you with all the support and advice you need at this difficult time.
Divorce Solicitors Suffolk – click here to see details about Barker Gotelee.
This could obviously include decisions over the family home, but with some couples it could be that each partner owns a house. Others may have both a main family home and a second holiday or weekend home, either in the UK or abroad. It is clearly essential that each individual’s circumstances are fully considered in order to ensure a fair overall settlement which will not have to be changed later on.
As well as being expert divorce solicitors, Suffolk-based Barker Gotelee have a specialist property law department which can be called on to help with any complicated questions to do with properties. You can rely on us to help you reach a settlement as fairly and as amicably as possible, so that you can start to look to the future once again.
Solicitors in Ipswich – click here to find out more about our service.
What Happens to the Family Home?
For many divorcing couples, the family home is their major asset and one of the most important questions they need to settle is what should happen to it. The best solution may often be for one partner to continue living there, while the other moves to another property. If this is decided on, the partner who is still living there may buy the other one out. Alternatively, another possibility is for the home to be sold and for the couple to split the money between them so they can each buy another property.
Whichever solution is decided on, it is important to be aware that the sharing of equity in the house will not always amount to a 50-50 split; there are various factors which need to be considered. These could include the welfare of the family's children, the financial circumstances of each partner both now and before they married, and how long the marriage has lasted.
The family home will not just be considered in isolation but as part of the whole break-up, so, for instance, if there are other large assets such as a pension pot or business interests, then these will have to be looked at as well in finding a fair settlement. There can also be complications such as a court saying that a house should not be solduntil the children reach a certain age. To ensure that the whole picture is looked at and in order to reach a fair settlement, it is best to consult family solicitors in Ipswich, such as Barker Gotelee.
Questions over Second Properties
Sometimes a couple do not just have one home that needs to be considered during a break-up. For instance, they may have two homes if they were only together for a short while and each still has their own house. Or, in some instances they might have bought a house together while one partner also owns another property. In the case of short-lived marriages, the courts will normally aim to reach a fair settlement which leaves each partner in the same position they were in before they married, and again your divorce solicitors can advise on this.
Couples may also have a second property, whether in another part of the UK or abroad, such as a holiday house or villa that is rented out when not in use. It is important that any assets like this are taken into account in reaching a settlement.
If your second home is abroad, it can make the divorce settlement more complicated, and problems over disposing of this type of property are now involved in a lot of break-ups. Many properties in Europe have lost a lot of value as a result of economic problems of recent years and are proving difficult to sell. Sometimes neither partner wants to take them on, especially if there is a mortgage to be paid.
Tax Implications
When a property settlement is involved in a divorce, the tax position of each partner can be complicated, with questions arising over whether they will have to pay capital gains tax on their share of a particular property. It is important to get expert advice on this, and this is another area where solicitors based locally in Ipswich can help you. As well as being expert divorce solicitors, Barker Gotelee has a department specialising in wills, trusts and tax, and we can call on this expertise if needed.
About Barker Gotelee
We at Barker Gotelee have 25 years of experience as solicitors in Ipswich, and we have an expert family law department to help you to achieve a fair settlement when a marriage ends. We serve the whole of Suffolk and East Anglia and can provide you with all the support and advice you need at this difficult time.
Divorce Solicitors Suffolk – click here to see details about Barker Gotelee.
Thursday 3 October 2013
What Expertise Do You Really Need from Your Divorce Solicitors?
When you're hiring divorce solicitors in Suffolk to handle your marriage break-up, you will obviously want someone with experience and expertise in divorce law. This is vital to ensure your rights are properly addressed and, most importantly, that things are handled correctly so that the settlement - you reach now with your spouse does not result in problems later on. If a divorce is handled by someone without the right expertise, potential pitfalls could include a former partner making additional claims in the future, or a lack of clarity about asset ownership.
But is divorce law expertise always enough? Depending on your circumstances, your divorce could involve a lot more than simply agreeing childcare arrangements and deciding what happens to the marital home. This means you may need to find solicitors who also have specialist knowledge in a range of other legal areas.
Barker Gotelee are highly experienced divorce solicitors based in Suffolk who have expertise covering a whole range of fields, meaning we can provide a complete service to ensure that the whole process of ending a marriage goes as smoothly as possible. Below are details of some of the areas of law which could potentially be needed.
Divorce Solicitors Suffolk – Click here for information about our service
Family Law
Arrangements for children are one of the most important and potentially fraught aspects of a marriage break-up. Often there are aspects which are not straightforward and need to be considered, for instance if you have children who have been adopted, from previous relationships, or who have special needs. If one partner is moving abroad, this is also something which solicitors will need to discuss, as it will clearly cause difficulties over both having access to the children.
Barker Gotelee has a well-established family law department which will work with you to make the best arrangements for your children as you make your new start. We also have an experienced mediation department which may provide the best way forward if you are having difficulties in communicating directly with your partner and arranging things amicably between you.
Commercial Law
This is a legal area which will have to be considered where either you or your partner owns a business, or where the two of you have run a business together, such as a farm, shop or other type of venture. There are many questions which will need to be answered, such as what happens to business premises, and whether you can agree a settlement to prevent the business from closing down altogether. .
Will both of you continue to work at the business, and what will happen if one or both of you wants to sell? Or what should happen if either you or your partner is the owner of a business which itself owns multiple assets?
In cases such as these, Barker Gotelee would refer the questions which arise in the course of the divorce to our expert commercial department, so that the future of your business assets can be decided without causing unnecessary delays and complications.
Property Law
Often, a couple who are parting may have to deal with not just the family home, but also other properties which they own jointly. For instance, you may have as a holiday home which is rented for income for part of the year, when you are not using it yourselves. As with business assets, there are many questions to be answered about property which is owned either together or separately. Do you or your partner want to sell the properties, or would one prefer to pay the other for their share?
As well as being expert divorce solicitors based in Suffolk, Barker Gotelee also have a specialist property law department which will be able to help in areas like these. Our team is highly experienced in all kinds of property transactions and will work to make these aspects of a marriage break-up go smoothly.
All-Round Legal Service
When you are ending a marriage and need legal advice and help, the question is whether to choose a specialist divorce solicitor or a generalist. With Barker Gotelee, clients have access to both – as our team includes experienced divorce solicitors working together with specialists in family law, commercial law, and property law.
In the course of a divorce we can also refer you to our wills, estate planning and trust department, for any arrangements which need to be made in these areas. We also have an insolvency department which can provide expert help if your break-up comes at a time of personal bankruptcy or business failure.
Our divorce solicitors are specialists – but, working at our Suffolk office, we can also bring in other specialisms when required, without you having to find people with the right expertise yourself.
About Barker Gotelee
Based in Ipswich, Barker Gotelee are solicitors with more than 25 years of experience. Our experts in divorce law and family law will work with you to help you achieve a fair and positive outcome as you look to the future.
Divorce Solicitors in Suffolk – follow the link to find out more
But is divorce law expertise always enough? Depending on your circumstances, your divorce could involve a lot more than simply agreeing childcare arrangements and deciding what happens to the marital home. This means you may need to find solicitors who also have specialist knowledge in a range of other legal areas.
Barker Gotelee are highly experienced divorce solicitors based in Suffolk who have expertise covering a whole range of fields, meaning we can provide a complete service to ensure that the whole process of ending a marriage goes as smoothly as possible. Below are details of some of the areas of law which could potentially be needed.
Divorce Solicitors Suffolk – Click here for information about our service
Family Law
Arrangements for children are one of the most important and potentially fraught aspects of a marriage break-up. Often there are aspects which are not straightforward and need to be considered, for instance if you have children who have been adopted, from previous relationships, or who have special needs. If one partner is moving abroad, this is also something which solicitors will need to discuss, as it will clearly cause difficulties over both having access to the children.
Barker Gotelee has a well-established family law department which will work with you to make the best arrangements for your children as you make your new start. We also have an experienced mediation department which may provide the best way forward if you are having difficulties in communicating directly with your partner and arranging things amicably between you.
Commercial Law
This is a legal area which will have to be considered where either you or your partner owns a business, or where the two of you have run a business together, such as a farm, shop or other type of venture. There are many questions which will need to be answered, such as what happens to business premises, and whether you can agree a settlement to prevent the business from closing down altogether. .
Will both of you continue to work at the business, and what will happen if one or both of you wants to sell? Or what should happen if either you or your partner is the owner of a business which itself owns multiple assets?
In cases such as these, Barker Gotelee would refer the questions which arise in the course of the divorce to our expert commercial department, so that the future of your business assets can be decided without causing unnecessary delays and complications.
Property Law
Often, a couple who are parting may have to deal with not just the family home, but also other properties which they own jointly. For instance, you may have as a holiday home which is rented for income for part of the year, when you are not using it yourselves. As with business assets, there are many questions to be answered about property which is owned either together or separately. Do you or your partner want to sell the properties, or would one prefer to pay the other for their share?
As well as being expert divorce solicitors based in Suffolk, Barker Gotelee also have a specialist property law department which will be able to help in areas like these. Our team is highly experienced in all kinds of property transactions and will work to make these aspects of a marriage break-up go smoothly.
All-Round Legal Service
When you are ending a marriage and need legal advice and help, the question is whether to choose a specialist divorce solicitor or a generalist. With Barker Gotelee, clients have access to both – as our team includes experienced divorce solicitors working together with specialists in family law, commercial law, and property law.
In the course of a divorce we can also refer you to our wills, estate planning and trust department, for any arrangements which need to be made in these areas. We also have an insolvency department which can provide expert help if your break-up comes at a time of personal bankruptcy or business failure.
Our divorce solicitors are specialists – but, working at our Suffolk office, we can also bring in other specialisms when required, without you having to find people with the right expertise yourself.
About Barker Gotelee
Based in Ipswich, Barker Gotelee are solicitors with more than 25 years of experience. Our experts in divorce law and family law will work with you to help you achieve a fair and positive outcome as you look to the future.
Divorce Solicitors in Suffolk – follow the link to find out more
Wednesday 4 September 2013
Reasons to Use a Family Solicitor Instead of Seeking an Online Divorce
Divorce is a highly stressful and complicated process and many people will not know where to turn at first, but getting advice from expert divorce solicitors based locally in Ipswich ensures that you will have the support you need all the way through. Amid the distress of a family breakdown, it is important to limit the pressure and ensure the settlement is arranged as smoothly as possible, without unnecessary distress and loss of time.
It may be possible for couples to arrange their break-up amicably amongst themselves if they can agree the division of property and child custody, but there can be hazards in doing this without involvement of solicitors. For instance, if there is no court order in place, then there is a possibility that your former spouse may be able to claim more assets from you in the future.
Some divorce solicitors, such as Barker Gotelee in Ipswich, offer an in-house mediation service which involves sitting down with a neutral third party, and this can often be particularly useful in making arrangements for children. It is also possible to contact a mediator direct as well as doing this through your solicitor. Talking to a mediator can be especially helpful if you find it hard to discuss issues with your ex-partner, which is often the case when emotions are running high. The Government is keen to promote mediation because it is felt that mediated agreements tend to be the best solutions for families and, where appropriate and by prior arrangement, there can also be scope for a trained mediator to talk to children directly.
It is important to be aware that solicitors can give one-off advice if you need some legal information about what is involved in getting divorced, even if you do not think it is necessary to have the whole divorce process handled by a legal firm in your particular case.
Divorce solicitors Ipswich - click here to find out more about how we can help you.
Ways of Making Divorce Arrangements
There are companies which offer quick divorces arranged online and provide you with the forms you need, together with a step-by-step guide, and they say in their advertising that this type of divorce will save you money.
However, while this may lead to savings in some instances, a disadvantage is that you will not have the face-to-face and personal advice which you would get by going to expert divorce solicitors in Ipswich who will be fully aware of your individual situation and able to answer your questions about the whole process of ending a marriage.
Also, if your finances are at all complicated, there may not in fact be any financial savings but quite the opposite, because most people do not have the expertise to sort out a fair settlement and decide on everything which needs to be included, so you could end up getting an unsatisfactory settlement which will need to be renegotiated later with additional costs.
Problems which could potentially arise include forgetting assets like pensions or property in drawing up a settlement. It is also important that a court order is obtained setting out the full financial arrangements of both husband and wife and looking at all joint assets, since if anything is missed out then it could lead to problems later on.
Using divorce solicitors based in Ipswich means you will have expert legal advice to help you find a good settlement for the longer term, and your solicitors will be there to support you in the future. Another advantage of seeking legal advice in person is that it can be helpful to speak to somebody face to face about complex issues rather than having to rely on email and this may even in practice prove to be quicker.
In the course of a divorce, questions and problems may crop up which you had not been aware of earlier on, and it is helpful to have someone who can provide you with expert information quickly and close at hand to avoid minor issues getting out of proportion. Experienced family solicitors in Suffolk or your own home area will also be able to refer you to support agencies if this is necessary at any stage.
About Barker Gotelee
As experienced and expert family solicitors based in Ipswich and serving the whole of East Anglia, Barker Gotelee are able to provide you with advice and support throughout the process of ending a marriage. We are committed to helping to find solutions through negotiation. We have a mediation service based in-house, as well as child mediation where this is felt to be appropriate.
Divorce solicitors in Ipswich and Suffolk – click here for information on Barker Gotelee's service.
It may be possible for couples to arrange their break-up amicably amongst themselves if they can agree the division of property and child custody, but there can be hazards in doing this without involvement of solicitors. For instance, if there is no court order in place, then there is a possibility that your former spouse may be able to claim more assets from you in the future.
Some divorce solicitors, such as Barker Gotelee in Ipswich, offer an in-house mediation service which involves sitting down with a neutral third party, and this can often be particularly useful in making arrangements for children. It is also possible to contact a mediator direct as well as doing this through your solicitor. Talking to a mediator can be especially helpful if you find it hard to discuss issues with your ex-partner, which is often the case when emotions are running high. The Government is keen to promote mediation because it is felt that mediated agreements tend to be the best solutions for families and, where appropriate and by prior arrangement, there can also be scope for a trained mediator to talk to children directly.
It is important to be aware that solicitors can give one-off advice if you need some legal information about what is involved in getting divorced, even if you do not think it is necessary to have the whole divorce process handled by a legal firm in your particular case.
Divorce solicitors Ipswich - click here to find out more about how we can help you.
Ways of Making Divorce Arrangements
There are companies which offer quick divorces arranged online and provide you with the forms you need, together with a step-by-step guide, and they say in their advertising that this type of divorce will save you money.
However, while this may lead to savings in some instances, a disadvantage is that you will not have the face-to-face and personal advice which you would get by going to expert divorce solicitors in Ipswich who will be fully aware of your individual situation and able to answer your questions about the whole process of ending a marriage.
Also, if your finances are at all complicated, there may not in fact be any financial savings but quite the opposite, because most people do not have the expertise to sort out a fair settlement and decide on everything which needs to be included, so you could end up getting an unsatisfactory settlement which will need to be renegotiated later with additional costs.
Problems which could potentially arise include forgetting assets like pensions or property in drawing up a settlement. It is also important that a court order is obtained setting out the full financial arrangements of both husband and wife and looking at all joint assets, since if anything is missed out then it could lead to problems later on.
Using divorce solicitors based in Ipswich means you will have expert legal advice to help you find a good settlement for the longer term, and your solicitors will be there to support you in the future. Another advantage of seeking legal advice in person is that it can be helpful to speak to somebody face to face about complex issues rather than having to rely on email and this may even in practice prove to be quicker.
In the course of a divorce, questions and problems may crop up which you had not been aware of earlier on, and it is helpful to have someone who can provide you with expert information quickly and close at hand to avoid minor issues getting out of proportion. Experienced family solicitors in Suffolk or your own home area will also be able to refer you to support agencies if this is necessary at any stage.
About Barker Gotelee
As experienced and expert family solicitors based in Ipswich and serving the whole of East Anglia, Barker Gotelee are able to provide you with advice and support throughout the process of ending a marriage. We are committed to helping to find solutions through negotiation. We have a mediation service based in-house, as well as child mediation where this is felt to be appropriate.
Divorce solicitors in Ipswich and Suffolk – click here for information on Barker Gotelee's service.
Thursday 1 August 2013
Solicitors in Ipswich – How to Protect Your Children during a Divorce or Separation
Once you have made the decision to divorce or separate, aside from choosing the right firm of solicitors in Ipswich, one of the things that will be at the forefront of your mind is how to protect your children - as they are the ones who are the most vulnerable during divorce proceedings. If you and your partner have made the decision to live separate lives, your offspring may be going through a host of emotions including hurt, fear, sadness, confusion and anger; and the sad fact is that many children blame themselves for their parents’ break-up.
If you have chosen to divorce or separate, as a parent you will naturally be worried about the emotional effect it will have on your children; however, there are certain steps you can take to minimise this. Whether you are looking to find a solution within your own family, or you want to seek outside help, this article looks at ways you can help safeguard your child during this challenging transition.
Barker and Gotelee is a well established firm of solicitors in Ipswich with an experienced family law department and mediation department. Our solicitors and mediators act with you to find a solution that works in the interests of you and your children as a priority.
Family Solicitors in Ipswich – Click here for full information on how our family solicitors can help you.
Ten Steps to Take to Help Protect Your Children Following a Marriage Break-Up
Talk to Your Children – Just as you will have your own issues to deal with during the marriage breakup, so will your children. When you break the news to your children about your separation, try to talk to them together (with both parents) if possible. Let them ask questions and answer them as gently as you can, without apportioning the blame on the other parent. When the discussion ends, leave it open to your children to discuss their thoughts and feelings with you; listen to them, and reassure your child/children that it is not their fault.
Distance Your Children from Any Conflicts – One thing that you should try to avoid when your marriage breaks down is getting your children involved in any conflicts between you and your spouse. It is important not to drag them into any arguments, or worse, to ask them to negotiate on your behalf. Remember that your child loves both parents equally and wants to maintain their relationship with both of you. Putting your children into a position where they are forced to take sides can be very damaging for them.
Communicate with Each Other – If you are going through a divorce, as well as communicating with your children, is important for you as parents to communicate with each other. The more amicable your divorce is, the more this will help lessen the effect on your children and will teach them how to resolve their own crises in the future. However, it is understandable that some parents may find it very difficult to communicate at this stage of their relationship; so it may be worth making contact via email, rather than telephone or face to face, to prevent your children overhearing any arguments.
Resolve Residence Issues in Advance – If you are able to discuss things amicably, there are various forms of compromises you can make. Try to think about how you can resolve issues of residence in the best interests of the children. Go through all the options including shared residence arrangements, holidays/term time, weekends/weekdays, to find something that works for all parties. Don’t ask children who they want to live with as they shouldn’t have to take sides, after all they are not the ones who are getting divorced.
Talk Over Financial Arrangements – Just as it is important to talk over child residence issues, it is also just as important to try and resolve all your financial issues amicably. This will also save money on solicitors’ fees in the long run as it avoids a long drawn out divorce. Remember if both parents are left with sufficient funds, it is not only you, but your children that will be the ones who benefit.
Keep Things as Normal As Possible – While issues are being resolved, and you are consulting with solicitors in Ipswich, try to keep things as normal as possible. This means not breaking your children’s contact with either parent, and for you to carry on with their schooling arrangements, club arrangements and your children socialising and seeing their friends and relatives as normal. It is always best to involve both parents in your child’s life; despite what the other party may or may not have done - a parent is better than no parent, and your children need a healthy balance.
Talk to the Children’s School – Explain to the school that you are getting a divorce and ask for the relevant teacher’s support. They can keep an eye on your child and give you feedback about whether the break-up is affecting your child’s schoolwork or relationship with the other children. Teachers are well versed with dealing with break-ups and most schools have some sort of counselling facilities that are available for children affected by divorce or any other issues.
Seek Mediation – If you find yourself unable to communicate with your partner, then mediation might provide the answer. If you do require mediation, Barker and Gotelee solicitors have an experienced mediation department, although we do stress that it is important to book enough sessions to be able to resolve all issues amicably. Sometimes this is the only way to move things forward and pave the way for a new beginning.
Think About Counselling – It could be that your child’s schoolwork may suffer during your divorce, or your children may also experience behavioural problems, and become angry with both or either parent, or lash out at their siblings. If you find that your child is deeply affected by the divorce and is having behavioural issues, there are various counselling and support groups that can help.
Join a Support Group – It is not only your children that may benefit from joining a support group, but you might do too. There are various parenting classes, or support groups available which cover minimising the impact of divorce on your children and you may want to join one of these to pick up some tips. They might be able to give you advice on how best to deal with some of the emotions that your child might be going through.
About Barker and Gotelee Solicitors
Founded 25 years ago, Barker and Gotelee solicitors in Ipswich have a well-established family law department and will help you achieve a solution so you can look forward to your new start.
Protect Your Children During a Divorce – Click here to contact our divorce solicitors or ask about our mediation service.
If you have chosen to divorce or separate, as a parent you will naturally be worried about the emotional effect it will have on your children; however, there are certain steps you can take to minimise this. Whether you are looking to find a solution within your own family, or you want to seek outside help, this article looks at ways you can help safeguard your child during this challenging transition.
Barker and Gotelee is a well established firm of solicitors in Ipswich with an experienced family law department and mediation department. Our solicitors and mediators act with you to find a solution that works in the interests of you and your children as a priority.
Family Solicitors in Ipswich – Click here for full information on how our family solicitors can help you.
Ten Steps to Take to Help Protect Your Children Following a Marriage Break-Up
Talk to Your Children – Just as you will have your own issues to deal with during the marriage breakup, so will your children. When you break the news to your children about your separation, try to talk to them together (with both parents) if possible. Let them ask questions and answer them as gently as you can, without apportioning the blame on the other parent. When the discussion ends, leave it open to your children to discuss their thoughts and feelings with you; listen to them, and reassure your child/children that it is not their fault.
Distance Your Children from Any Conflicts – One thing that you should try to avoid when your marriage breaks down is getting your children involved in any conflicts between you and your spouse. It is important not to drag them into any arguments, or worse, to ask them to negotiate on your behalf. Remember that your child loves both parents equally and wants to maintain their relationship with both of you. Putting your children into a position where they are forced to take sides can be very damaging for them.
Communicate with Each Other – If you are going through a divorce, as well as communicating with your children, is important for you as parents to communicate with each other. The more amicable your divorce is, the more this will help lessen the effect on your children and will teach them how to resolve their own crises in the future. However, it is understandable that some parents may find it very difficult to communicate at this stage of their relationship; so it may be worth making contact via email, rather than telephone or face to face, to prevent your children overhearing any arguments.
Resolve Residence Issues in Advance – If you are able to discuss things amicably, there are various forms of compromises you can make. Try to think about how you can resolve issues of residence in the best interests of the children. Go through all the options including shared residence arrangements, holidays/term time, weekends/weekdays, to find something that works for all parties. Don’t ask children who they want to live with as they shouldn’t have to take sides, after all they are not the ones who are getting divorced.
Talk Over Financial Arrangements – Just as it is important to talk over child residence issues, it is also just as important to try and resolve all your financial issues amicably. This will also save money on solicitors’ fees in the long run as it avoids a long drawn out divorce. Remember if both parents are left with sufficient funds, it is not only you, but your children that will be the ones who benefit.
Keep Things as Normal As Possible – While issues are being resolved, and you are consulting with solicitors in Ipswich, try to keep things as normal as possible. This means not breaking your children’s contact with either parent, and for you to carry on with their schooling arrangements, club arrangements and your children socialising and seeing their friends and relatives as normal. It is always best to involve both parents in your child’s life; despite what the other party may or may not have done - a parent is better than no parent, and your children need a healthy balance.
Talk to the Children’s School – Explain to the school that you are getting a divorce and ask for the relevant teacher’s support. They can keep an eye on your child and give you feedback about whether the break-up is affecting your child’s schoolwork or relationship with the other children. Teachers are well versed with dealing with break-ups and most schools have some sort of counselling facilities that are available for children affected by divorce or any other issues.
Seek Mediation – If you find yourself unable to communicate with your partner, then mediation might provide the answer. If you do require mediation, Barker and Gotelee solicitors have an experienced mediation department, although we do stress that it is important to book enough sessions to be able to resolve all issues amicably. Sometimes this is the only way to move things forward and pave the way for a new beginning.
Think About Counselling – It could be that your child’s schoolwork may suffer during your divorce, or your children may also experience behavioural problems, and become angry with both or either parent, or lash out at their siblings. If you find that your child is deeply affected by the divorce and is having behavioural issues, there are various counselling and support groups that can help.
Join a Support Group – It is not only your children that may benefit from joining a support group, but you might do too. There are various parenting classes, or support groups available which cover minimising the impact of divorce on your children and you may want to join one of these to pick up some tips. They might be able to give you advice on how best to deal with some of the emotions that your child might be going through.
About Barker and Gotelee Solicitors
Founded 25 years ago, Barker and Gotelee solicitors in Ipswich have a well-established family law department and will help you achieve a solution so you can look forward to your new start.
Protect Your Children During a Divorce – Click here to contact our divorce solicitors or ask about our mediation service.
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Keeping Down the Cost of Divorce and Legal Separation – What You Can Do
When you have decided to separate or divorce and need legal advice, the first thing to do is to find good solicitors in Ipswich who can represent you. Next, you need to think about how to keep the costs down. The overriding way of minimising legal fees, whether for divorce, separation, or any other matter, is to minimise the time and effort required from your solicitor. Here we outline a number of ways that you can do this.
Solicitors in Ipswich Click here for full information on how our family solicitors can help you.
Give a Full Financial Picture as Early as Possible
Your solicitor will need a full picture of assets and debts for both yourself and your spouse. Full and frank disclosure minimises time spent in requesting additional information. Look around the house and gather together as much information as you can. This will all help to provide your solicitor with a clear idea of your finances at an early stage. Then take along a list of your income, assets and outgoings to the first meeting with your solicitor if you can.
Reach a Settlement Quickly But Thoroughly
Anything that you can agree between yourself and your former spouse minimises time spent in discussion with lawyers trying to agree. It can be difficult to talk to one another, but, if at all possible, discuss division of property and any childcare arrangements between yourselves before getting your solicitors involved. Even broad agreement can be helpful, because the finer details are easier to iron out once a general agreement already exists. Take your time over important decisions if necessary, because hasty decisions can be costly and complicated to reverse at a later stage in the process.
Using mediation can be a way to speed up settlement in cases where it has been difficult to reach agreement between yourselves, which will also save money in the long run. Professional mediation also provides a more thorough process, ensuring all key details have been considered. Mediators' hourly rates are normally split between the partners, so this can again help to keep down the costs.
Avoid Wrangles Over Low Value Items
It is all too easy for feelings to run high over a particular item which both ex-partners want, and for this to turn into an emotional tug-of-war. However, the time (and cost) it takes to argue over, say, items of furniture will probably outweigh the value of the goods themselves, as most second-hand household items are worth little in terms of cash. If the items have great sentimental value, it is a good idea to consider equitable means of resolving the issue. For instance, you could identify all items of sentimental value and share them equally between yourselves.
Keep Meetings Focused
Shorter meetings are less costly than longer ones, and you can help to keep them short by preparing well beforehand. Bring all paperwork and information asked for, and make a list of questions you want to ask. This will make it less likely that you will forget something and need an extra meeting as a result.
Keep Communication To the Point
Letters and emails to your solicitors in Ipswich should be concise, containing just the essential information without a lot of unnecessary detail. Although it can be tempting to let off steam if feelings are running high, remember that long, rambling letters and emails take time for a solicitor to read and pick out the relevant information, which again pushes up the cost to you.
Process Paperwork Quickly
Send the required documents to your solicitors as quickly as possible, and sign and return all paperwork right away, without causing unnecessary delays. Having to chase you for documentation takes someone's time and increases the costs which you will have to pay.
Always Be Contactable
Even if you go on holiday or have to travel on business, make sure your solicitors in Ipswich know where to get hold of you. If your solicitors have to try to locate you at a critical point in the process, this can quickly rack up costs.
Get Emotional Support
Many delays and obstacles that occur in the process of coming to a settlement, getting paperwork signed and so on, stem from one or other party feeling unable to make decisions or deal with the process due to their emotional state. This contributes to bigger fees and therefore causes more distress all round, as well as prolonging the process itself.
Getting appropriate emotional support (such as professional counselling or even just talking through the issues with friends) is therefore an investment, helping to keep down fees, as well as easing the process for yourself. Barker Gotelee can suggest appropriate therapists to help at this difficult time.
Solicitors in Ipswich - Click here to contact our divorce solicitors or ask about our mediation service.
Solicitors in Ipswich Click here for full information on how our family solicitors can help you.
Give a Full Financial Picture as Early as Possible
Your solicitor will need a full picture of assets and debts for both yourself and your spouse. Full and frank disclosure minimises time spent in requesting additional information. Look around the house and gather together as much information as you can. This will all help to provide your solicitor with a clear idea of your finances at an early stage. Then take along a list of your income, assets and outgoings to the first meeting with your solicitor if you can.
Reach a Settlement Quickly But Thoroughly
Anything that you can agree between yourself and your former spouse minimises time spent in discussion with lawyers trying to agree. It can be difficult to talk to one another, but, if at all possible, discuss division of property and any childcare arrangements between yourselves before getting your solicitors involved. Even broad agreement can be helpful, because the finer details are easier to iron out once a general agreement already exists. Take your time over important decisions if necessary, because hasty decisions can be costly and complicated to reverse at a later stage in the process.
Using mediation can be a way to speed up settlement in cases where it has been difficult to reach agreement between yourselves, which will also save money in the long run. Professional mediation also provides a more thorough process, ensuring all key details have been considered. Mediators' hourly rates are normally split between the partners, so this can again help to keep down the costs.
Avoid Wrangles Over Low Value Items
It is all too easy for feelings to run high over a particular item which both ex-partners want, and for this to turn into an emotional tug-of-war. However, the time (and cost) it takes to argue over, say, items of furniture will probably outweigh the value of the goods themselves, as most second-hand household items are worth little in terms of cash. If the items have great sentimental value, it is a good idea to consider equitable means of resolving the issue. For instance, you could identify all items of sentimental value and share them equally between yourselves.
Keep Meetings Focused
Shorter meetings are less costly than longer ones, and you can help to keep them short by preparing well beforehand. Bring all paperwork and information asked for, and make a list of questions you want to ask. This will make it less likely that you will forget something and need an extra meeting as a result.
Keep Communication To the Point
Letters and emails to your solicitors in Ipswich should be concise, containing just the essential information without a lot of unnecessary detail. Although it can be tempting to let off steam if feelings are running high, remember that long, rambling letters and emails take time for a solicitor to read and pick out the relevant information, which again pushes up the cost to you.
Process Paperwork Quickly
Send the required documents to your solicitors as quickly as possible, and sign and return all paperwork right away, without causing unnecessary delays. Having to chase you for documentation takes someone's time and increases the costs which you will have to pay.
Always Be Contactable
Even if you go on holiday or have to travel on business, make sure your solicitors in Ipswich know where to get hold of you. If your solicitors have to try to locate you at a critical point in the process, this can quickly rack up costs.
Get Emotional Support
Many delays and obstacles that occur in the process of coming to a settlement, getting paperwork signed and so on, stem from one or other party feeling unable to make decisions or deal with the process due to their emotional state. This contributes to bigger fees and therefore causes more distress all round, as well as prolonging the process itself.
Getting appropriate emotional support (such as professional counselling or even just talking through the issues with friends) is therefore an investment, helping to keep down fees, as well as easing the process for yourself. Barker Gotelee can suggest appropriate therapists to help at this difficult time.
Solicitors in Ipswich - Click here to contact our divorce solicitors or ask about our mediation service.
Monday 13 May 2013
Six Ways to Minimise Divorce Stress
Divorce or separation ranks as one of the most stressful experiences of a person’s life, but there are ways of minimising this stress. The process of arranging legal and financial separation itself can be painful, although this often depends on the approach that is taken and the support given, especially by the solicitors who are handling the case.
Barker Gotelee has a sympathetic team of specialist solicitors who are experienced in dealing with partner breakdown and all associated matters, such as children and their residence, contact issues, finance and property, international family law, civil partnerships and domestic violence.
If you are experiencing a relationship breakdown, you are likely to be feeling a range of emotions including sadness, anger and uncertainty. Our solicitors strive towards achieving the best possible outcome for you at this stressful time, so you can rebuild your life and look forward to what the future brings.
While our experienced solicitors understand that facing divorce or separation is extremely traumatic, there are steps we can take to limit the stress.
1. Find a solicitor specialising in family law as soon as possible
The sooner you have an expert involved in your case, the sooner you can start making progress. Knowing what your options are early on helps to reduce the stress arising from uncertainty. Resolving the issue of property and finance is one of the main concerns and we make the process easier by helping you reach a solution, working diligently to get you the best possible outcome. If there is a business involved, such as a farm or a company you will also need a solicitor with experience in this business area too.
2. Reach a settlement quickly
Divorce raises all sorts of emotions, often with feelings running high on both sides. While it is important that your solicitor reaches a settlement as quickly as possible, they should also be slow enough to be thorough, as it is in your interest to consider all the fine details. If you follow your solicitor’s guidance, they will be able to draw up a settlement that is more likely to be approved by a court; this helps keep costs down as it avoids both parties meeting in court, which is a lengthy, drawn out process. Try to limit the to-ing and fro-ing as much as you can, as the sooner you both reach clarity, the less stress it causes. So, look for a solicitor with a collaborative approach, maximising the chances of finding an agreement between you and minimising the prospect of having to go to court.
3. Use mediation
As you go through a divorce or separation, you may find it hard to reach a compromise and may therefore overlook some of the most important matters of concern. Working with a mediator will give you greater focus as they work towards reaching solutions acceptable to both parties. If you find talking directly to your partner difficult, mediation offers an alternative. This will help you resolve difficult topics (such as money and property, and issues that relate to the children) amicably without having to go to court.
4. Reach clarity on children's arrangements quickly
If you and your partner find it difficult to reach a compromise, mediation (and in some cases children’s mediation) may be the best course of action. It is important to resolve matters that relate to children as quickly as possible. This is because it helps reduce the stress on your child if they know where they stand and how things are going to be from the start. Addressing your children's worries in this way and reducing their stress will also help reduce the parents’ stress levels too. If everyone knows what the arrangements are and sticks to the agreement (even before it has been imposed by the court) this reduces the opportunity of a long, drawn out conflict.
5. Aim for long term fairness
An agreement reached between both parties, with appropriate guidance from a solicitor (rather than an agreement imposed on you by a court) will be far easier for you to live with in the long term. This helps to reduce acrimony and makes it more straightforward for both parties to move on with the next stage of their life, thus reducing longer term stress.
6. Seek additional help if you need it
All sorts of issues arise in the case of divorce and separation; there’s not only the stress of the break-up to deal with and the consequences of this, but also the subject of money, and in some cases the damaging effect of emotional and/or physical abuse. Addressing these matters will reduce stress in the short and longer term. It’s a good idea to choose a solicitor who can suggest or make appropriate referrals to support services.
Barker Gotelee has a committed team of specialist divorce solicitors who strive to achieve the best possible deal for you using a collaborative approach to achieve fairness for both sides. We have a trained mediator in-house to help you avoid conflicts of interest quickly and easily – and child mediation is also available where appropriate. For sensitive issues, our solicitors are experienced in making referrals to the relevant support services, if necessary.
Solicitors in Ipswich – click here for more information on the range of services we offer.
Barker Gotelee has a sympathetic team of specialist solicitors who are experienced in dealing with partner breakdown and all associated matters, such as children and their residence, contact issues, finance and property, international family law, civil partnerships and domestic violence.
If you are experiencing a relationship breakdown, you are likely to be feeling a range of emotions including sadness, anger and uncertainty. Our solicitors strive towards achieving the best possible outcome for you at this stressful time, so you can rebuild your life and look forward to what the future brings.
While our experienced solicitors understand that facing divorce or separation is extremely traumatic, there are steps we can take to limit the stress.
1. Find a solicitor specialising in family law as soon as possible
The sooner you have an expert involved in your case, the sooner you can start making progress. Knowing what your options are early on helps to reduce the stress arising from uncertainty. Resolving the issue of property and finance is one of the main concerns and we make the process easier by helping you reach a solution, working diligently to get you the best possible outcome. If there is a business involved, such as a farm or a company you will also need a solicitor with experience in this business area too.
2. Reach a settlement quickly
Divorce raises all sorts of emotions, often with feelings running high on both sides. While it is important that your solicitor reaches a settlement as quickly as possible, they should also be slow enough to be thorough, as it is in your interest to consider all the fine details. If you follow your solicitor’s guidance, they will be able to draw up a settlement that is more likely to be approved by a court; this helps keep costs down as it avoids both parties meeting in court, which is a lengthy, drawn out process. Try to limit the to-ing and fro-ing as much as you can, as the sooner you both reach clarity, the less stress it causes. So, look for a solicitor with a collaborative approach, maximising the chances of finding an agreement between you and minimising the prospect of having to go to court.
3. Use mediation
As you go through a divorce or separation, you may find it hard to reach a compromise and may therefore overlook some of the most important matters of concern. Working with a mediator will give you greater focus as they work towards reaching solutions acceptable to both parties. If you find talking directly to your partner difficult, mediation offers an alternative. This will help you resolve difficult topics (such as money and property, and issues that relate to the children) amicably without having to go to court.
4. Reach clarity on children's arrangements quickly
If you and your partner find it difficult to reach a compromise, mediation (and in some cases children’s mediation) may be the best course of action. It is important to resolve matters that relate to children as quickly as possible. This is because it helps reduce the stress on your child if they know where they stand and how things are going to be from the start. Addressing your children's worries in this way and reducing their stress will also help reduce the parents’ stress levels too. If everyone knows what the arrangements are and sticks to the agreement (even before it has been imposed by the court) this reduces the opportunity of a long, drawn out conflict.
5. Aim for long term fairness
An agreement reached between both parties, with appropriate guidance from a solicitor (rather than an agreement imposed on you by a court) will be far easier for you to live with in the long term. This helps to reduce acrimony and makes it more straightforward for both parties to move on with the next stage of their life, thus reducing longer term stress.
6. Seek additional help if you need it
All sorts of issues arise in the case of divorce and separation; there’s not only the stress of the break-up to deal with and the consequences of this, but also the subject of money, and in some cases the damaging effect of emotional and/or physical abuse. Addressing these matters will reduce stress in the short and longer term. It’s a good idea to choose a solicitor who can suggest or make appropriate referrals to support services.
Barker Gotelee has a committed team of specialist divorce solicitors who strive to achieve the best possible deal for you using a collaborative approach to achieve fairness for both sides. We have a trained mediator in-house to help you avoid conflicts of interest quickly and easily – and child mediation is also available where appropriate. For sensitive issues, our solicitors are experienced in making referrals to the relevant support services, if necessary.
Solicitors in Ipswich – click here for more information on the range of services we offer.
Monday 22 April 2013
Choosing a Family Solicitor
Choosing a family solicitor is both a personal and a practical choice which, when you find the right one, can form the basis of a relationship that can last for decades, supporting you through the various changes in circumstances that inevitably arise as part of life.
At Barker Gotelee solicitors in Ipswich, we understand the difference it can make to have a family solicitor to call on as and when required, to deal with issues promptly, to provide timely advice that can often avert the need for formal legal proceedings and, if necessary, to represent you should the need arise.
But if you're trying to choose between different family solicitors in Ipswich and the Suffolk area, how do you go about it? Ultimately, of course, it will be personal decision, but we have put together some key questions which may help to guide you towards choosing a family solicitor that suits you.
Solicitors in Ipswich – Find out more about Barker Gotelee family solicitors in Ipswich.
Do they specialise in family issues?
A family solicitor, of course, needs to be able to handle legal issues which apply specifically to families – such as family breakdown, children's issues, inheritance and so on. How these matters are handled will have an impact on the practical and emotional life of your family for years to come, so it's important to choose a solicitor with specialist knowledge and experience in this area.
Do they cover the full range of areas that you might need now and in the future?
The ideal family solicitor is someone that you can turn to quickly as different life events occur. In a time of crisis you want someone you already know and trust, who already knows you and your family and who can get "on the case" immediately without you having to hunt round for a different specialist each time.
For family breakdown issues can you trust them to focus on finding a good settlement rather than rushing to court?
If you need a family solicitor to help you reach a financial settlement with an ex-partner then look for someone who is committed to helping you both reach an agreement without going to court unless absolutely necessary. This will save both of you money and is also far more likely to result in an agreement that both of you can feel is fair going forward. This in turn has an impact on your ability to maintain amicable relations in the future, especially important if you have ongoing shared commitments such as children.
Do they offer a professional mediation service in-house?
While many family solicitors advocate the use of mediation to help come to an amicable separation settlement in the event of family breakdown, often this means being referred somewhere else. Ideally, look for a family solicitor who can provide this service in-house using experienced mediators.
Can they deal with non-family areas which nevertheless have an impact on the family?
Many areas of law may not appear to fall under the category of "family issues" but in fact there are few legal issues that don't have some impact on the life of a family.
For instance, business and commercial law can affect how or whether a business is passed to the next generation; property sales and transfers are often a response to a change in family circumstances; and accident claims can affect the provision of care for injured or disabled family members, with knock-on effects for the whole family. Choose a solicitor that can draw on expertise in all these areas when your family needs it.
Can they deal with cross-generational issues?
A family solicitor needs to be able to deal with issues arising for all members of your family, whether young or old. In addition they need to be able to deal with issues which affect more than one family member. Check that they have the expertise and experience to deal with a full range of family issues such as school appeals, childcare arrangements and adoption, as well as elderly client issues including wills, estate planning, inheritance tax and powers of attorney.
Are they easy to contact or visit in person?
It often helps to speak face to face, especially for very personal or complex issues, so being able to talk to your solicitor in private at an easy to reach location is invaluable. Look for a family solicitor that has an office in reasonable distance of your home, and who can be contacted easily by phone if you need to make an appointment.
Are they likely to be around in 10 or 20 years time?
If you are looking for a family solicitor to see you through life's ups and downs you want to have confidence that they will still be there well into the future. Choose a well-established firm with a track record of success in multiple areas.
Do you "click"?
While this might sound rather unscientific, being able to communicate easily with your solicitor is one of the most important factors in a successful client-solicitor relationship. You need a solicitor that you can feel comfortable talking to, who is on your wavelength and who is able to listen and tune in to what you need. This type of rapport is very hard to achieve working with solicitors remotely or even online.
About Barker Gotelee Solictors Ipswich
Barker Gotelee are family solicitors in Ipswich serving the whole of the East Anglia region, offering a range of specialisms for personal, family and commercial issues.
We have a dedicated Family Department which specialises in family law issues and can facilitate mediation as part of reaching a separation agreement. When dealing with a family breakdown situation we are committed to helping you achieve a settlement through negotiation processes, as we believe in couples and individuals deciding their own fate, rather than a judge.
Established in 1988, we have a wealth of experience in a range of specialisms and can deal with just about any area of civil law including injury claims, wills, tax and inheritance, agricultural and business law, property matters and more. Your personal solicitor within the firm can then bring in whatever expertise may be required to deal with your case without you needing to find the right expertise at a time of crisis.
Our Martlesham Heath office is just off the A12 between Ipswich and Woodbridge and is also within easy reach of Felixstowe, Wickham Market, Saxmundham, Framlingham, Aldeburgh, Needham Market and Stowmarket.
At Barker Gotelee solicitors in Ipswich, we understand the difference it can make to have a family solicitor to call on as and when required, to deal with issues promptly, to provide timely advice that can often avert the need for formal legal proceedings and, if necessary, to represent you should the need arise.
But if you're trying to choose between different family solicitors in Ipswich and the Suffolk area, how do you go about it? Ultimately, of course, it will be personal decision, but we have put together some key questions which may help to guide you towards choosing a family solicitor that suits you.
Solicitors in Ipswich – Find out more about Barker Gotelee family solicitors in Ipswich.
Do they specialise in family issues?
A family solicitor, of course, needs to be able to handle legal issues which apply specifically to families – such as family breakdown, children's issues, inheritance and so on. How these matters are handled will have an impact on the practical and emotional life of your family for years to come, so it's important to choose a solicitor with specialist knowledge and experience in this area.
Do they cover the full range of areas that you might need now and in the future?
The ideal family solicitor is someone that you can turn to quickly as different life events occur. In a time of crisis you want someone you already know and trust, who already knows you and your family and who can get "on the case" immediately without you having to hunt round for a different specialist each time.
For family breakdown issues can you trust them to focus on finding a good settlement rather than rushing to court?
If you need a family solicitor to help you reach a financial settlement with an ex-partner then look for someone who is committed to helping you both reach an agreement without going to court unless absolutely necessary. This will save both of you money and is also far more likely to result in an agreement that both of you can feel is fair going forward. This in turn has an impact on your ability to maintain amicable relations in the future, especially important if you have ongoing shared commitments such as children.
Do they offer a professional mediation service in-house?
While many family solicitors advocate the use of mediation to help come to an amicable separation settlement in the event of family breakdown, often this means being referred somewhere else. Ideally, look for a family solicitor who can provide this service in-house using experienced mediators.
Can they deal with non-family areas which nevertheless have an impact on the family?
Many areas of law may not appear to fall under the category of "family issues" but in fact there are few legal issues that don't have some impact on the life of a family.
For instance, business and commercial law can affect how or whether a business is passed to the next generation; property sales and transfers are often a response to a change in family circumstances; and accident claims can affect the provision of care for injured or disabled family members, with knock-on effects for the whole family. Choose a solicitor that can draw on expertise in all these areas when your family needs it.
Can they deal with cross-generational issues?
A family solicitor needs to be able to deal with issues arising for all members of your family, whether young or old. In addition they need to be able to deal with issues which affect more than one family member. Check that they have the expertise and experience to deal with a full range of family issues such as school appeals, childcare arrangements and adoption, as well as elderly client issues including wills, estate planning, inheritance tax and powers of attorney.
Are they easy to contact or visit in person?
It often helps to speak face to face, especially for very personal or complex issues, so being able to talk to your solicitor in private at an easy to reach location is invaluable. Look for a family solicitor that has an office in reasonable distance of your home, and who can be contacted easily by phone if you need to make an appointment.
Are they likely to be around in 10 or 20 years time?
If you are looking for a family solicitor to see you through life's ups and downs you want to have confidence that they will still be there well into the future. Choose a well-established firm with a track record of success in multiple areas.
Do you "click"?
While this might sound rather unscientific, being able to communicate easily with your solicitor is one of the most important factors in a successful client-solicitor relationship. You need a solicitor that you can feel comfortable talking to, who is on your wavelength and who is able to listen and tune in to what you need. This type of rapport is very hard to achieve working with solicitors remotely or even online.
About Barker Gotelee Solictors Ipswich
Barker Gotelee are family solicitors in Ipswich serving the whole of the East Anglia region, offering a range of specialisms for personal, family and commercial issues.
We have a dedicated Family Department which specialises in family law issues and can facilitate mediation as part of reaching a separation agreement. When dealing with a family breakdown situation we are committed to helping you achieve a settlement through negotiation processes, as we believe in couples and individuals deciding their own fate, rather than a judge.
Established in 1988, we have a wealth of experience in a range of specialisms and can deal with just about any area of civil law including injury claims, wills, tax and inheritance, agricultural and business law, property matters and more. Your personal solicitor within the firm can then bring in whatever expertise may be required to deal with your case without you needing to find the right expertise at a time of crisis.
Our Martlesham Heath office is just off the A12 between Ipswich and Woodbridge and is also within easy reach of Felixstowe, Wickham Market, Saxmundham, Framlingham, Aldeburgh, Needham Market and Stowmarket.
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