Thinking about a post-lockdown divorce? You’re not alone
The number of couples considering divorce has increased since the Covid-19 lockdown, according to statistics from several different sources.
Spending an increased amount of time together is great when you get on well - when you don't, those extra hours can just exacerbate existing tensions.
Throw into the pot the pressures of home working, looking after children, money and employment worries, health concerns and reduced support from friends and family and it's hardly surprising that many relationships are feeling the strain.
Divorce enquiries
According to Citizens Advice, on the first weekend in September, 25 per cent more people visited its divorce guidance webpage than the same time last year. At times, this figure jumped to 75 per cent
Many law firms are reporting a 30 to 42 per cent increase in divorce enquiries between the start of lockdown and mid-May compared with the same period in 2019.
Where do I start if I want a divorce?
Wards Solicitors expert team of family law and divorce lawyers can help you decide what the right next step is for you as a couple.
We can talk you through the divorce process, financial settlement and arrangements for children and we are committed to helping couples separate with the minimum of conflict.
Our aim always is to support you to resolve matters as constructively as possible, minimising the impact on any children.
New laws, set to be introduced sometime next year, mean couples will no longer have to blame each other when divorcing. Click here to see what we wrote on this recently.
How we can help
Wards Solicitors support Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), including mediation, collaboration and arbitration, which can play a key role in reaching an amicable settlement.
Crucially, ADR can also help avoid having to go to court which can be not only expensive but time consuming and stressful.
We have a team of seven family and divorce law specialist solicitors ready to help and 11 local offices across the Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath & North East Somerset and North Somerset region
Click here to book an initial meeting.
We also have a range of fixed-fee packages we can discuss with you at your meeting.
For further information and advice, please contact any member of our Family and Divorce Law team.