Coping with Separation or Divorce in Lockdown
We understand that going through a separation is a traumatic experience, not only for you but for your family and friends as well. The current Covid 19 situation and enforced lockdown, together with the potential for self-isolation with your ex-partner, only heightens the emotional impact. You may choose to wait until restrictions have lifted, but this article will hopefully show you, that there are still options available to you even in lockdown.
We encourage our clients to have a support network around them, even if that can only be via telephone, or virtually at the moment. It is important that you continue to communicate during this difficult time, whether that be with a friend you trust, family member, or even a counsellor. Your well-being is the paramount consideration if you are facing difficulties in your relationship/marriage. It is also important you are able to communicate on some level with your ex-partner. As members of Resolution we will assist, ensuring all communication with them/their solicitor is as amicable as possible.
Where to live
If you decide to separate, or start divorce proceedings during the lockdown, the reality is that you may still need to live with your ex-partner for some time. Finding alternative accommodation is rarely a straightforward process with finance often being a key determination. This can cause tremendous stress and start additional disputes in the home. Again, communication is key here and we would suggest agreeing some ground rules on which you can both agree, to structure your new arrangements, to ensure that those living arrangements can be as amicable as possible.
Supporting your Children
If children are involved, the increasing tensions that lockdown can bring may necessitate one parent moving out sooner. Both parents should give careful consideration to the best interests of the child and financial practicalities of taking this step. The children should never become involved in your disputes or disagreements. At all times they should be protected from the feelings of the parties. The decision to speak to the child/ren about the situation must be taken jointly and will always be dependent on the particular circumstances of your relationship. There is no ‘one rule fits all’ advice here. Every child is different, so that should be at the forefront of the decision. We have a number of resources for separating families on the website which you can access to help.
One of the key points though is to reassure the child/ren that they are not to blame for the break-up and that they are loved and will continue to be by both parents, regardless of what is going to happen. The objective is for your child/ren to understand the situation and to be aware of the steps your family will be taking and how they will be affected. Children are incredibly resilient and very adaptable, it is your job to make sure that the impact on them is minimal, however and that all decisions you take remain child centred.
Family Courts and your options
The Family Courts are still operating, albeit mainly remotely. At Cotswold Family Law we are primarily working remotely, but we are readily available to assist clients and discuss the options which are available to them. We are still working with Mediators and Arbitrators, as Alternative Dispute Resolution offers more efficient and cost effective resolutions against Court-led proceedings.
If you would like a telephone appointment to discuss your options please phone our team secretary Jeanette Wilson on 01608 686590 or send her an email.
If you are in fear of your safety or your children don’t suffer in silence, please phone the police or the Domestic Abuse Helpline on, 0808 2000 247.
We work closely with a number of providers offering support and assistance, including the renowned Only Mums & Dads website: https://thefamilylawpanel.org/
Click to find our profile.