Divorce and Separation
The break up of a relationship can be a very
stressful time, especially when children and property are
involved.
We have provided some useful advice and links which may
be helpful if you and your partner are considering divorce or
separation.
Counselling and Help
Counselling may help you to decide whether splitting up
is the right thing to do. There are a number of organisations which
may prove useful and help you and your partner to decide your
future.
Ending a marriage
You can apply for a divorce after a period of one
year from the date of the marriage. From applying for a
divorce, to finding mediation services, the following links should
offer some useful advice.
If you are not married
Legal advice, mediation and Finance
When separating from your partner it is important to reach
agreement regarding money, property and children. You may be able
to decide this amicably between youselves, or you may decide to use
a mediator.
When children are involved
Whatever the age of your children the breakdown of a
marriage or relationship can be very distressing for them too. They
may feel that it is their fault so it is important to reassure them
that this is not the case and try and keep to their normal routine
without too much disruption.
Starting again
After divorce or separation you willl want to try and
rebuild your life and there are various organisations which may
help you or provide advice which will prove useful.
Who to inform of changes
There are a number of people and organisations who
will have to be notified of any changes in your circumstances
after a separation or divorce. We have listed below the main
ones which may be of assistance to you at this time of
upheaval and change.
You may need to inform:-
- your landlord or local authority rent
office (England and Wales only)
- the local authority housing
and council
tax sections (England and Wales only)
- your mortgage lender
- water, gas, electricity and telephone companies
- your local social security office
- your tax office, if you are married or have children
- current school and future school if you have children and they
are moving
- your bank or any other financial institution if you have a
joint account. It may be advisable for one of the account holders
to freeze the account to prevent the other withdrawing some or all
of the money
- hire purchase or credit companies
- insurance companies, particularly if you have joint
policies
- the post office, if it is necessary to have mail
redirected
- your doctor, dentist, child health clinic.