PROMOTION Lockdown and Divorce We are living through an extraordinary time, which is putting unique pressures on relationships. are maintaining the same standards of service as during ordinary times. The Family Courts are particularly stretched. They are adapting to the remote working environment. However many cases are being adjourned if they are unable to be dealt with remotely. As such financial cases may take longer to be concluded. Once lockdown eases xisting relationship issues are being magnifled, and new difficulties are arising. impacted by the lockdown so further consideration will need to be given to housing both parties and the children during this time. Many couples who have been though the Court process already could be affected by a change of circumstances. If you have a Spousal Maintenance Order you may not be able to meet the repayments, this is a worry for the recipient and the payer. Whilst the Court has the As lockdown eases some couples will be faced with decisions as to the future of those relationships. A recent study conducted by Belate found that almost a quarter of those surveyed who have a partner say the current circumstances are placing pressure on their relationship. It isn't unusual for family lawyers to experience an increase in divorce enquiries after couples have spent prolonged periods of time together. for example after Christmas, or in September. It is anticipated that there may be a backlog of such cases meaning further delay. power to vary such orders it may be more advisable to try and reach available to resolve financial matters, acompromise with your former partner until your circumstances improve. Similarly for child maintenance payments there may As well as the traditional route there are alternative options including mediation, private Court Hearings and arbitration. As such if as lockdown eases there will be a there are financial issues that need similar spike. As such it may be advisable to seck legal advice now. Divorce Petitions can still be issued at Court in the resolving, it may be that rather than having a lengthy Court process, the matter can be resolved in a different need to be some compromise. Those with School Fees Orders could be advised to speak with the school usual way, but the process is taking longer. Obtaining legal advice at an carly stage is always advisable. Your financial circumstances may have been impacted by the pandemic, the effects can be far-reaching. Starting the divorce process now might ensure that you do not face further delay as the lockdown eases way, saving costs and time. COVID-19, and the impact of it, may have affected your financial circumstances also. Whether you have an existing settlement, or are contemplating reaching an agreement you may need to take legal advice given the change of circumstances. Investments and directly regarding any difficulties that are arising The overall impact of COVID- 19is far reaching. However, our experienced divorce lawyers can assist during this process and provide you with legal advice as you navigate a change of circumstances at this difficult time. pensions may have been impacted. further still. The Court system is experiencing delays generally in the processing of documents but we can advise you along the way. Forbes Solicitors are still taking on The ability to obtain a mortgage may also be an issue, especially if your employment or income has been affected. Business owners For information ploase contact Sarah Robson, Family Solctor by email at sarah.robson@fortbessolicitors.co.uk may have seen a decline in the or call on 01772 220 022 new clients to provide legal advice during these difficult times. We are conducting all ap remotely, usually by telephone, but value of their business. Selling the family home is often a consideration during separation and divorce. The housing market has already been Together forbes tment we arel forbessolicitors. Offions in Accrington, Blackbun, Central Lancashiro, Chorley. Loeds, Manchester and Preston www.forbessolicitors.co.uk PROMOTION Lockdown and Divorce We are living through an extraordinary time, which is putting unique pressures on relationships. are maintaining the same standards of service as during ordinary times. The Family Courts are particularly stretched. They are adapting to the remote working environment. However many cases are being adjourned if they are unable to be dealt with remotely. As such financial cases may take longer to be concluded. Once lockdown eases xisting relationship issues are being magnifled, and new difficulties are arising. impacted by the lockdown so further consideration will need to be given to housing both parties and the children during this time. Many couples who have been though the Court process already could be affected by a change of circumstances. If you have a Spousal Maintenance Order you may not be able to meet the repayments, this is a worry for the recipient and the payer. Whilst the Court has the As lockdown eases some couples will be faced with decisions as to the future of those relationships. A recent study conducted by Belate found that almost a quarter of those surveyed who have a partner say the current circumstances are placing pressure on their relationship. It isn't unusual for family lawyers to experience an increase in divorce enquiries after couples have spent prolonged periods of time together. for example after Christmas, or in September. It is anticipated that there may be a backlog of such cases meaning further delay. power to vary such orders it may be more advisable to try and reach available to resolve financial matters, acompromise with your former partner until your circumstances improve. Similarly for child maintenance payments there may As well as the traditional route there are alternative options including mediation, private Court Hearings and arbitration. As such if as lockdown eases there will be a there are financial issues that need similar spike. As such it may be advisable to seck legal advice now. Divorce Petitions can still be issued at Court in the resolving, it may be that rather than having a lengthy Court process, the matter can be resolved in a different need to be some compromise. Those with School Fees Orders could be advised to speak with the school usual way, but the process is taking longer. Obtaining legal advice at an carly stage is always advisable. Your financial circumstances may have been impacted by the pandemic, the effects can be far-reaching. Starting the divorce process now might ensure that you do not face further delay as the lockdown eases way, saving costs and time. COVID-19, and the impact of it, may have affected your financial circumstances also. Whether you have an existing settlement, or are contemplating reaching an agreement you may need to take legal advice given the change of circumstances. Investments and directly regarding any difficulties that are arising The overall impact of COVID- 19is far reaching. However, our experienced divorce lawyers can assist during this process and provide you with legal advice as you navigate a change of circumstances at this difficult time. pensions may have been impacted. further still. The Court system is experiencing delays generally in the processing of documents but we can advise you along the way. Forbes Solicitors are still taking on The ability to obtain a mortgage may also be an issue, especially if your employment or income has been affected. Business owners For information ploase contact Sarah Robson, Family Solctor by email at sarah.robson@fortbessolicitors.co.uk may have seen a decline in the or call on 01772 220 022 new clients to provide legal advice during these difficult times. We are conducting all ap remotely, usually by telephone, but value of their business. Selling the family home is often a consideration during separation and divorce. The housing market has already been Together forbes tment we arel forbessolicitors. Offions in Accrington, Blackbun, Central Lancashiro, Chorley. Loeds, Manchester and Preston www.forbessolicitors.co.uk