The Divorce Process : A Survivors Guide From Family Law Specialists Woolley & Co.

Nov. 6, 2008 - PRLog -- Common questions like, ‘what happens next?’ and ‘where do we go from here?’ are becoming a soundtrack to a whole new generation as thousands upon thousands find themselves navigating undreamed of legal waters.

Dealing with a mixed-bag of emotions is only heightened when teamed with having to step into a civil court to gain what you consider to be rightfully yours, as 59 year-old Maria Heading from Nottingham found out,

“My divorce came at a time when I was young, I struggled to cope with my failed marriage and looking after two small children. The thought of fighting for what was rightfully mine was incredibly draining. Luckily I found a specialist divorce lawyer who was able to advise and assist me in my hour of need.”

Mrs Heading added, “As soon people found out that I was getting a divorce, everyone including the postman was trying to give me advice! I found that the only advice you should listen to is your own and that of a divorce solicitor.”

The first step in initiating divorce proceedings it to establish that you do in fact have grounds for a divorce. These grounds are based on marital issues such as unreasonable behaviour, adultery, separation or even desertion.  Moving things along and taking a more formal standing is the next stage and typically involves finding the right divorce lawyer, establishing and budgeting for the cost of a divorce and then determining what divorce rights you are entitled to. All of these considerations can prove to be both time consuming and all encompassing, making the whole situation that much more stressful.

At Woolley and Co. Solicitors, the family law and divorce law specialists, they understand the trials and tribulations involved both emotionally and financially with ending a partnership amicably and work to ease both the emotional and financial strain of this difficult time.

Once there are grounds for a divorce it is important to make sure that you have the right support available as Andrew Woolley, Senior Partner, at Woolley & Co. Solicitors explains, “It is vital to seek the help of a specialist family lawyer.  Traditionally lawyers dealt with anything and everything and in my opinion it is wise to go to an industry professional whose expertise lie in this field, that way you will be sure to receive a dramatically better service.”

Mr Woolley added: “Clients often ask me how to identify if someone is a specialist divorce laywer? Moreover, I tell them to have a look at their website, this is often a very good indicator.  Another good indicator is that a specialist in this field will be confident in saying no to a client if that is the right advice.  More often than not people are told by their friends in the pub they can get twice as much as they are entitled to and this is unfortunately not the case.”

On this same theme, people are often unaware of the divorce rights to which they are entitled, leaving many bewildered. Issues like drawing up a financial settlement, dividing property and matters involving children can take time to sort out. This is why it is important to take qualified legal advice from someone specialising in family and divorce law, at an early stage.

Arrangements regarding property ownership can depend on many factors from how the property is owned and whether it is in joint names, any pre-nuptial or co-habiting agreement drawn up when you first acquired the property or even if you have children living with you. Many couples are not aware that if you are married you have a right of occupation this means that even if your name is not on the deeds, you have the right to live at that residence and not be excluded.  If a cohabiting partner attempts to change the locks for example they are not covered by the law, it is in this instance the advice of a professional divorce lawyer should be sought.

There are no hard and fast rules regarding your financial rights in the breakdown of a relationship either or how a divorce settlement will be calculated. If you are better equipped to “re-generate” your finances than the other party, you may well receive less than they do. It can appear that you are losing out because you have worked hard, but this is the way a court is likely to deal with things. One rule that is certain, however, is that in any divorce settlement, the rights of the children are put before those of the parents concerned.  In broad terms, it is considered their right to have a relationship with both parents.

Mr Woolley added, “Although it is important to know what your legal rights are, whatever happens parents need to remember that they do still have parental responsibilities and need to work together.”

About Woolley & Co. Solicitors
Woolley & Co. Solicitors are family law specialists, operating throughout the UK. Their web site, www.family-lawfirm.co.uk, includes an extensive selection of articles covering every aspect of divorce as well as a free, downloadable in-depth guide to undergoing a divorce and overcoming any unseen complications that may arise.

Find out more about getting a divorce with a fixed fee divorce lawyer at www.family-lawfirm.co.uk

Editor’s Note: Woolley & Co. Solicitors is represented by search engine optimisation agency, Top Position. Please direct all press queries to Tina Clough. Email: tina@topposition.co.uk or call: 0800 094 9001.