Making Life Changing Decisions in January

Getting the right advice about Separation and Divorce

January traditionally sees an increase in enquiries to Solicitors about getting Divorced or Separating

The holiday period is a time when many reflect upon their lives and decide to make changes in the New Year.

Ending a relationship is a momentous and life changing decision, not just for the couple, but also for their children (of whatever age). It is not a decision to be made lightly.

Getting Divorced and sorting out finances and the arrangements for children can easily take six months, if not the whole of the year. If bad choices are made early on, the whole process can become more expensive and traumatic than it needs to be. It can take years for the couple and their children to get over the fall out of the Divorce.

Children can get caught in the crossfire

Children are often more aware of their parents relationship difficulties than the parents think.

Sometimes they can blame themselves or one parent for the problems. They can be very unforgiving. Sometimes parents allow their children to be drawn into their arguments. This can cause them lots of harm.

It is important that the parents find a way of communicating, so that they give their children the same message, and are positive (where possible) about each other. Care needs to be taken, and good advice is often extremely helpful.

Time and space to make good decisions

If you are thinking about separating then it is important that you get the right advice and have time to make the best decisions for you and your children. It is important that you have time and space to get things right.

Generally the best and least expensive outcomes are the ones achieved through sensible negotiations. We will not rush you into making hasty decisions. We specialise in finding fair, child focussed and cost effective solutions to family problems.

Ian Walker has the experience

• Specialist Family Solicitor since 1992
• Family Mediator since 1996
• Collaborative Family Lawyer since 1995
• Member of the Law Society Children Panel since 1996
• Respected former member of; Law Society Family Law Committee, Governing Board of Family Mediators Association, and past Chair of Devon Family Law Solicitors (Devon Resolution)
• Reasonable hourly charges or fixed fees if you prefer.
• Our practice has been independently assessed as a quality service.
• Legal aid is available for those who qualify.

Good Advice

We don’t offer a free 15 minutes or 30 minutes, because it isn’t enough time to get to know you, understand the issues sufficiently and to give you the correct advice.  Instead we make a small charge for a full hour, and we then charge lower hourly rates when you decide to proceed.