Virtual Mediation for Families

With the new restrictions in place, separated and separating families are looking to find alternative methods of resolving disputes between them either in relation to children or divorce and finances.

In response to this need, Watson Thomas Solicitors now offer a virtual form of mediation to assist parties who wish to resolve issues which arise between them during the period of “lockdown” relating to the Coronavirus.

What am I entitled to on Divorce?

One of the questions we are often asked at Watson Thomas Solicitors is “what will I be entitled to if we get Divorced”.

It is of course natural for people to worry about how they will live without the financial support of their spouse, or alternatively, for the spouse who has historically supported the other party, they will worry about affording their commitments to a spouse and any children post separation.

What are the chances of a father winning custody of children?

There has been a historic problem in the family court with Judges favouring mothers over fathers, as it was thought they would be more capable of caring for the children of the family. When two parents cannot agree where their children should live, or if one parent fears the other cannot care for the children properly, they have the option of taking the matter to Court. The Court hears both parties, and after several hearings a decision will be made about where the children live (also called custody) and when they see the non-resident parent.

What are the chances of a father winning custody of children?

There has been a historic problem in the family court with Judges favouring mothers over fathers, as it was thought they would be more capable of caring for the children of the family. When two parents cannot agree where their children should live, or if one parent fears the other cannot care for the children properly, they have the option of taking the matter to Court. The Court hears both parties, and after several hearings a decision will be made about where the children live (also called custody) and when they see the non-resident parent.

What are the grounds for divorce?

There is only one ground for divorce, which is that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. In order to commence divorce proceedings, a divorce petition must be filed with the Court. The person who completes the divorce petition is known as the petitioner. The divorce petition sets out that the marriage has irretrievably broken down and this must be proved based upon one of five facts.

What happens to my pension on divorce?

After the family home, a couple’s pensions often form the largest asset on a breakdown of a marriage or civil partnership. Pensions are tricky financial instruments and it is easy for people to become bewildered by the issue of sorting pensions. However, as one of the most significant assets it is vital that both parties have proper and appropriate resolution.

What happens when the honeymoon is over?

You are back from honeymoon, the dress has been packed away, and the cake is in the freezer waiting for your 1-year anniversary. But what if you realised you made a terrible mistake, and you do not want to be married anymore?

What happens with the finances on divorce?

The end of a relationship or marriage can be an extremely emotional and stressful time. It may be difficult for you to make decisions to ensure that you protect the future for you and your family. Sorting out money is, for most couples, the most daunting part of separation and divorce.

What is a fact-finding hearing?

A fact-finding hearing is a hearing ordered by the courts in children proceedings. They can occur in financial proceedings or domestic violence injunctions but this rarely happens.

What is a Third party Disclosure Order?

If you are going through a divorce, then you will already know the importance of full and frank financial disclosure in reaching an agreement about your financial assets.

What is an Undertaking

Undertakings are a common part of the Court process, and are defined as a legal promise to do, or not do, something. It is a promise to the Court, and if you break it there are ways that it can be enforced. If broken, you could be at risk of being fined, or put in prison for a short period of time, but these are the most extreme consequences.

What is Bitcoin and how could it affect my divorce?

The majority of clients come to see us with a relatively good understanding of the financial assets and debts within their marriage or cohabiting relationship, however, some clients feel on the ‘back foot’ financially having not taken an active role in the financial management of the relationship.

What is mediation and what can be discussed at mediation?

Mediation is one of the alternative forums which can be used to try and agree various matters outside of Court. Mediation is encouraged by the Court and indeed some family applications require Mediation to be considered prior to an application being made to Court.

What is reasonable access for fathers?

This is a tricky question to answer. Each case is different and there is no “one size fits all” answer as one type of contact arrangement that may suit some and not others.

When deciding on contact arrangements, you will need to consider how much hands-on care the non-resident parent can realistically provide and how much they have provided in the past. You also need to consider the age of the child, schooling arrangements for the child and any work commitments.

What is Spousal Maintenance?

Part of the divorce process requires you both to come to an agreement on financial matters; how assets and debts will be divided, and what maintenance payments (if any) are required to be paid.
Spousal maintenance provides some financial security for the spouse who is unable to support themselves without additional support payments.

What is the Divorce process?

If you have reached the decision that your marriage has broken down, the divorce process may seem to be a daunting process……

At Watson Thomas, we seek to provide absolute clarity from the outset so that you understand, the process, your position and what to expect.

What is the Role of a Family Mediator?

A family mediator is an impartial third party who helps married & unmarried couples, parents, grandparents, step-parents and young people to discuss their issues openly and make informed decisions on how they are going to resolve and/or manage these issues going forward.

What rights does the mother have over the father?

It is often a stressful and emotional time for parties when a relationship breaks down. This is even more so where there are children involved as there will sometimes be difficulties in agreeing arrangements for the children such as where and with whom the children will live and what contact the absent parent will have with the children.

Who makes the arrangements for the children will depend on who has parental responsibility (PR) for the child. All biological mothers and most fathers have legal rights and responsibilities as a parent.

What should I expect when I go to Court?

If you have a Court date looming as part of your Divorce or Children application, then it can seem to be a daunting prospect. If you are wondering what to wear, how to act or what will happen, we have set out some answers to commonly asked questions to prepare you for your Court Hearing.

What surname should I use after divorce?

Once your divorce has concluded you can continue to use your married name or revert back to your maiden name, the choice is yours!