Getting a Divorce in Chichester

Whether you are getting a divorce in Chichester or not it can be a very sensitive and difficult time. We have experienced Solicitors in Chichester that have dealt with various divorce situations.

Although filing for a divorce in Chichester can be daunting you can trust our confidentiality and ability to pursue your best interests. Owen Kenny offer various services relating to divorce. Some of the options we offer are below, please get in touch to talk to one of our specialist divorce solicitors for further specific information that might benefit you.

Mediation in Chichester

This is a process whereby you and your spouse meet with an independent third party, i.e. the mediator, who will then attempt to facilitate an agreement between yourself and your spouse. The mediator will not force an agreement on you and will simply try and help you and your spouse to reach an agreement between yourselves. The purpose of mediation is not marriage guidance and the mediator will not try and deal with the issues in the relationship which led to its breakdown. The purpose is to deal with the repercussions of the breakdown rather than save the marriage.

You now should attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before you can apply to the Court to deal with children or finance issues.

The mediator will try to deal with both financial and children issues and can be particularly helpful if difficulties arise in the contact arrangements between your spouse and the children.

Anything that you discuss in mediation is confidential and therefore, generally, cannot be discussed in subsequent Court proceedings. The process is, however, entirely voluntary subject to the requirement to attend a MIAM as above.

Collaborative law in Chichester

This is a form of alternative dispute resolution. The principle aim of the collaborative process is to try and assist the parties in taking control of the dispute resolution process rather than have lots of letters passing between your respective solicitors which can lead to an increase in acrimony and cost.  The collaborative process is a series of meetings between the parties and their respective solicitors to try and resolve the issues that have arisen. At the start of the collaborative process each party and their solicitor sign an agreement that they are committed to the process.

Both David and Sara are collaboratively trained and if you feel that this may be the best way for your issues to be resolved they can give you details of the process and details of other local collaborative lawyers to pass on to your spouse.

Financial Matters – The Law – Important info to know if getting divorced / separated in Chichester

In any case where finances need to be dealt with following separation of the parties, the Court has a very wide discretion as to how it applies the assets available to the needs of the parties.  The law in this area is governed by Section 25 (2) of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 which sets out a number of criteria, which are applied by the Court.  The law also requires the Court to consider the needs of the children and this is the Court’s first consideration when dealing with financial matters.

How to minimise the negative effect on your children when getting divorced in Chichester.

When separating or getting divorced and there are children involved, knowing your rights can be a reassurance at a time of great worry and insecurity,  especially if your primary concern will be the possible negative effect on the children.

Important matters to consider for your children when separating or getting divorced in Chichester

Leading on from our post last week entitled “How to minimise the negative effect on your children when getting divorced”, learn more today about the “welfare checklist” and time spent with an absent parent, plus answers to 4 of the most common questions asked.