January is the season for divorce

The month of January is often called ‘divorce season’ by the press and is one of the busiest times of the year for family lawyers. The pressure of Christmas and the holidays can force relationships that are already rocky past breaking point. Add in the desire to make a fresh start for the New Year, and you can see why up to one in five couples enquire about divorce.

Alternative methods of resolving disputes

Traditionally divorce is seen as a confrontational process with couples doing battle in court however, Dave Winnett, head of the family team at Hopkins Solicitors, stresses that there is another way. He says “Hopkins offer alternative ways of dealing with marital breakdowns. Mediation and Collaborative Law are low conflict alternatives to resolving disputes compared with battling it out in Court.”

He adds “Instead of fighting, the couple and their lawyers get around the same table and work out their problems together. This leads to the couples working on their own solution, with reduced cost and conflict. These new alternative ways of resolving disputes also lead to better relations between ex-partners and is also better for any children caught up in the process. “

Fixed fee appointments

Separating from a partner is a stressful time for all parties involved, it can also be expensive, which leads to even more stress. Hopkins offer a fixed fee first consultation for £90, this also includes a written action plan detailing what your next steps should be.