Good Divorce Week 2022

Posted: 23 November 2022

We are supporting Good Divorce Week, an annual campaign by Resolution to promote a child-focused and amicable approach to divorce and separation.

Who are Resolution?

Resolution are an organisation of family lawyers and other professionals committed to a proactive and constructive approach to family matters. Resolution was founded in 1982 by a group of family lawyers who believed that a non-confrontational approach to family law issues would produce better outcomes for separating families and their children.

What is the focus of Good Divorce Week 2022?

With the effects of coronavirus still impacting the Family Courts, many families are facing huge wait times for hearings. This year Resolution are raising awareness as to how disputes can be resolved outside of the Court arena and how we can help families do so. Resolution are hoping to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by the Family Courts and are reaching out to Members of Parliament to campaign for more funding to allow families to gain early legal advice.

Mediation is a prerequisite of many Court applications now, where appropriate, and often can lead to a resolution. In some cases, it can take up to 6 months for a first hearing to be listed which could be time spent trying to resolve an issue via other means. The Government continue to fund the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme which provides a financial contribution of up to £500 to those eligible to assist with the cost of mediation.

What is the point of a good divorce?

With many divorces, there are financial issues to be resolved and children of the family to consider. The breakdown of a relationship is a very difficult time for all which is why we encourage families to try and resolve any issues outside of Court as this is far less costly and emotionally tolling than Court proceedings.

Resolving matters at an early stage not only reduces costs for all involved but it also brings closure far quicker than Court proceedings. Some financial cases are taking almost two years to conclude which only goes to prolong the ability for families to move on.

A paramount consideration when separating are children. Proceedings are not beneficial to them and often add contention to the relationship between parents. When caught up in divorce and financial proceedings, parents can quickly lose sight of the importance of co-parenting. Resolution members support families in focusing on reducing conflict.

We have solicitors in our Family Team who are Resolution members and also those who are collaborative law practitioners. If you have any questions about divorce proceedings or need advice then get in touch with our Family Department on 01245 493 959 or [email protected]