The president of the Law Society was recently questioned about his thoughts on internet divorce; he stated that “the cheapest option is not always the best” and that “online divorce is not suitable for cases where there is an imbalance of power between the spouses, or where a spouse is withholding information.” Without a solicitor how do you know if your spouse is withholding information? How do you address the imbalance of power without external influence?
A Managing Director from an online divorce company also commented recently saying that “we recommend people seek advice from solicitors...we can’t give advice”.
Would you be tempted to have a “cheap” divorce online? Can year's of marriage really be ended in such a simple way? Can your assets be split that easily?
Find out more about how Hart Brown’s Divorce lawyers can help.
Showing posts with label celebrity divorce. Show all posts
Showing posts with label celebrity divorce. Show all posts
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
Divorce – Should you risk a cut price deal?
It was reported on Sunday that a law firm has been criticised for offering a ‘cut price divorce’ to couples after Christmas. The firm is offering a divorce for the sum of £400.00.
The Bishop of Oxford branded this “tacky” and said that couples can do without the encouragement of cut price divorce ‘deals'.
At Hart Brown, we consider that this article begs the question, can a client really expect a first class service as part of such a promotion? A promotion of this nature is unlikely to cover anything concerning the finances of the marriage, and any issues relating to children that may need resolving.
The family team at Hart Brown understand that the breakdown of a marriage can be a difficult time for our clients and we do not feel that such promotions instil confidence that the sensitive issues arising from such a breakdown are being dealt with effectively, and that time would be taken to consider clients’ best interests.
Clients may also feel that they are on a ‘conveyor belt’ and that the service that they are receiving is somewhat impersonal, something that we strive to avoid at Hart Brown.
Do you think that such promotions are a good idea? Let us have your views.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1339818/Legal-firm-condemned-tacky-Christmas-divorce-sale.html
Anne Thomas, Legal Executive, Hart Brown Family Department
The Bishop of Oxford branded this “tacky” and said that couples can do without the encouragement of cut price divorce ‘deals'.
At Hart Brown, we consider that this article begs the question, can a client really expect a first class service as part of such a promotion? A promotion of this nature is unlikely to cover anything concerning the finances of the marriage, and any issues relating to children that may need resolving.
The family team at Hart Brown understand that the breakdown of a marriage can be a difficult time for our clients and we do not feel that such promotions instil confidence that the sensitive issues arising from such a breakdown are being dealt with effectively, and that time would be taken to consider clients’ best interests.
Clients may also feel that they are on a ‘conveyor belt’ and that the service that they are receiving is somewhat impersonal, something that we strive to avoid at Hart Brown.
Do you think that such promotions are a good idea? Let us have your views.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1339818/Legal-firm-condemned-tacky-Christmas-divorce-sale.html
Anne Thomas, Legal Executive, Hart Brown Family Department
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Prince William to marry Kate Middleton
Today sees the announcement of the marriage of Prince William to his long term girlfriend, Kate Middleton.
The past few weeks have seen much comment and speculation in the media about couples who are planning to marry and whether or not they should consider entering into a pre-nuptial agreement. The recently reported case of Radmacher –v- Granatino highlighted the current status of pre-nuptial agreements and whether they are something that more couples should be considering.
Although not the most romantic discussion to have with your fiancé, it is something that couples should contemplate. One party may have a higher income, or be coming into the marriage with significantly more assets. Additionally, one party may have much greater inheritance prospects. A pre-nuptial agreement could help protect your assets or income.
There are rumours of a high-street department store offering pre-nuptial agreements as part of their wedding packages and it is likely that there will be several DIY versions available in the future. Although this may seem like a cheap way to get a pre-nuptial, in the long run it could be more costly as upon divorce you may end up in court arguing over whether it is ‘fair’ and whether it was entered into correctly. It is far better to seek advice from an expert who you can see face to face and draft a personally tailored pre-nuptial to meet your needs.
Do you think that pre-nuptial agreements are relevant in today’s society? Do you think that Kate and William should consider such an agreement?
Let us have your views.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11765422
Anne Thomas, Legal Executive, Hart Brown family department
The past few weeks have seen much comment and speculation in the media about couples who are planning to marry and whether or not they should consider entering into a pre-nuptial agreement. The recently reported case of Radmacher –v- Granatino highlighted the current status of pre-nuptial agreements and whether they are something that more couples should be considering.
Although not the most romantic discussion to have with your fiancé, it is something that couples should contemplate. One party may have a higher income, or be coming into the marriage with significantly more assets. Additionally, one party may have much greater inheritance prospects. A pre-nuptial agreement could help protect your assets or income.
There are rumours of a high-street department store offering pre-nuptial agreements as part of their wedding packages and it is likely that there will be several DIY versions available in the future. Although this may seem like a cheap way to get a pre-nuptial, in the long run it could be more costly as upon divorce you may end up in court arguing over whether it is ‘fair’ and whether it was entered into correctly. It is far better to seek advice from an expert who you can see face to face and draft a personally tailored pre-nuptial to meet your needs.
Do you think that pre-nuptial agreements are relevant in today’s society? Do you think that Kate and William should consider such an agreement?
Let us have your views.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11765422
Anne Thomas, Legal Executive, Hart Brown family department
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Judge says that children are damaged by divorcing parents
This morning on the BBC Breakfast News, comments made in a speech by a senior family judge, Sir Nicholas Wall were discussed.
The speech was made to the charity Families Need Fathers. In the speech, he said that parents “do not realise the damage they do to their children” and that a child’s self worth can be “irredeemably damaged” if one parent makes it clear to the child that their other parent is worthless. He also said that parents find it hard to understand that even though they have separated from their spouse, their children will still love and be loyal to both of them.
Discussing the matter this morning, Liz Edwards from Resolution said that parents don’t have enough information on how to manage their relationship with an ex-spouse going forward. Craig Pickering from Families Need Fathers advised for parents to seek help on separation.
As commented by Liz Edwards, parents should consider what they want to achieve and then consider what the effect will be on the children. Perhaps easier said than done for separating spouses when emotions are raw? However, with the support of an understanding lawyer, this can be much more achievable than one might think.
At Hart Brown, our lawyers are Resolution (which was formerly known as the Solicitors Family Law Association) accredited and we understand that separation can be a difficult time for both parents and children. We will work with you to find practical solutions and to help minimise the negative impact on children.
Link to BBC article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-11380470
Read more about Hart Brown's Family Department
The speech was made to the charity Families Need Fathers. In the speech, he said that parents “do not realise the damage they do to their children” and that a child’s self worth can be “irredeemably damaged” if one parent makes it clear to the child that their other parent is worthless. He also said that parents find it hard to understand that even though they have separated from their spouse, their children will still love and be loyal to both of them.
Discussing the matter this morning, Liz Edwards from Resolution said that parents don’t have enough information on how to manage their relationship with an ex-spouse going forward. Craig Pickering from Families Need Fathers advised for parents to seek help on separation.
As commented by Liz Edwards, parents should consider what they want to achieve and then consider what the effect will be on the children. Perhaps easier said than done for separating spouses when emotions are raw? However, with the support of an understanding lawyer, this can be much more achievable than one might think.
At Hart Brown, our lawyers are Resolution (which was formerly known as the Solicitors Family Law Association) accredited and we understand that separation can be a difficult time for both parents and children. We will work with you to find practical solutions and to help minimise the negative impact on children.
Link to BBC article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-11380470
Read more about Hart Brown's Family Department
Friday, 3 September 2010
Cheryl & Ashley Cole - How quick will their divorce really be?
Today, the media are reporting that Ashley and Cheryl Cole’s divorce will be finalised in the High Court today.
However, this is not correct. The Decree Nisi will be pronounced today in court, which is the first decree in the divorce proceedings. There are two decrees in any divorce, the second one being the Decree Absolute. It is only when the Decree Absolute has been pronounced that the marriage will legally be dissolved.
There is a time delay of six weeks and one day once the Decree Nisi has been pronounced and before the Decree Absolute can be applied for by the Petitioner in the proceedings. The reason for this delay is that this is deemed to be a ‘cooling off’ period, and during this time, the parties are still legally married. The purpose of this is that it gives both parties time to consider a reconciliation. Contrary to what the media portray, a divorce is not obtained so easily in England and Wales and the court must be satisfied that there are valid reasons and that both parties have fully considered the consequences. Therefore, Ashley and Cheryl will remain married for at least another six weeks and one day!
Cheryl and Ashley’s divorce, as with many celebrity divorces is being termed by the media as a ‘quickie divorce’. However, the concept of the ‘quickie divorce’ does not exist and Cheryl and Ashley will be proceeding through exactly the same divorce process as any other couple. There is of course also the financial settlement that appears to have been negotiated which is separate to the divorce proceedings. It can take some time to reach a financial settlement, especially where there is a considerable amount of wealth.
Link to news story:-
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11173177
Anne Thomas, Family Department, Hart Brown Solicitors
However, this is not correct. The Decree Nisi will be pronounced today in court, which is the first decree in the divorce proceedings. There are two decrees in any divorce, the second one being the Decree Absolute. It is only when the Decree Absolute has been pronounced that the marriage will legally be dissolved.
There is a time delay of six weeks and one day once the Decree Nisi has been pronounced and before the Decree Absolute can be applied for by the Petitioner in the proceedings. The reason for this delay is that this is deemed to be a ‘cooling off’ period, and during this time, the parties are still legally married. The purpose of this is that it gives both parties time to consider a reconciliation. Contrary to what the media portray, a divorce is not obtained so easily in England and Wales and the court must be satisfied that there are valid reasons and that both parties have fully considered the consequences. Therefore, Ashley and Cheryl will remain married for at least another six weeks and one day!
Cheryl and Ashley’s divorce, as with many celebrity divorces is being termed by the media as a ‘quickie divorce’. However, the concept of the ‘quickie divorce’ does not exist and Cheryl and Ashley will be proceeding through exactly the same divorce process as any other couple. There is of course also the financial settlement that appears to have been negotiated which is separate to the divorce proceedings. It can take some time to reach a financial settlement, especially where there is a considerable amount of wealth.
Link to news story:-
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11173177
Anne Thomas, Family Department, Hart Brown Solicitors
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