In Sickness and in Wealth

The divorce rate in the UK has not been as low as it is today since the early 1980’s.

First impressions could be that this is a good thing as couples are obviously making an effort to make relationships and marriages work and are in fact sorting out their problems. Then again, this could be seen as just a mask and the low divorce rate could also be due to external factors such as the “dreaded credit crunch”.

Are couples relationships and ultimately marriages influenced by the economic climate just as much as by romance and love? Everyone knows that financial problems can cause stress and negativity even within a seemingly strong relationship or marriage. The credit crunch could be seen to be a double-edged sword. Although, on the one hand, its effect could make people work at their relationship and thus be beneficial to some, for others it seems to be making an already bad situation worse, even unbearable. Some people may just cave in and walk away with virtually nothing due to the stress of such a situation.

It would appear that the credit crunch seems to have an effect both on couples who want to separate and those already involved in separation or divorce proceedings. Couples with relationship problems are being forced to live together due to housing problems and the fact that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find the funds for either to buy the other out. Whereas, those already in the throws of divorce are having to wait longer for their clean break due to matrimonial homes being harder to sell. Divorces are traumatic enough without the added problems.

Says Teresa Harris of local law firm fwdlaw

“Whatever situation you find yourself in it is well worth taking advice to see what options are open to you. Your solicitor can work with you to try to find some practical solutions to your problems. For example:

• Mediation – mediation may help, as by talking with your partner you may reach some sort of amicable solution, even if just for the short term. It may be that you even find some new found respect for each other. At the very least it could assist in helping you to live more amicably together while sorting through your problems.
  
  
• Varying any financial orders – we could also look at whether any financial orders need to be varied. This could be due to a change in financial circumstances which could easily be the case in today’s economic climate. Sometimes you may have the situation where the higher wage earner receives an increase in salary or the ex-spouse’s financial position drops dramatically. In both these scenarios it would be possible to look at reviewing any existing maintenance orders. Also it may be possible if payments are being made through the Child Support Agency to ask for the amount to re-assessed.”

Teresa adds

“Don’t let the credit crunch deter you from taking some advice. Most firms of solicitors will provide an initial appointment at low cost to help you try to find a way around your situation.”

Teresa Harris
Family Law specialist
Fwdlaw solicitors are based in Stow Hill opposite the Cathedral.

For more information regarding our Family Law Services please contact us or click here.