Good Divorce Week 2022
28 November 2022 marks the start of Good Divorce Week, an annual campaign organised by Resolution. This year, the campaign is raising awareness of all the different ways families can resolve their disputes away from Court – where it is safe and appropriate to do so – and how members of Resolution can guide families through that process.
What is Resolution?
Resolution is a body of over 6,500 family lawyers and other professionals that promotes a non-confrontational approach to family problems. The organisation is committed to resolving family disputes constructively and seeks to provide solutions that limit the impact of relationship breakdown on the parties and particularly their children.
The benefits of having a ‘good divorce’
The term ‘good divorce’ is an interesting phrase; in some ways, it is contradictory. A natural precursor to a divorce is break down of a relationship. This can increase tensions, especially when faced with the prospect of legal proceedings.
A ‘good divorce’ attempts to reduce conflict between the parties and the impact it has on children and the wider family. The aim is for parties to come out on the other side of a relationship breakdown amicable and with respect for each other. Putting the needs of any children first and limiting the overall impact of the breakdown on their children and the family.
Our Family Law team, together with Resolution, support separating couples and promote the benefits of a ‘good divorce’.
It is hoped that the ‘good divorce’ campaign will raise awareness generally but everyone can play a part in promoting the benefits of reducing conflict on separation.
Focus for 2022
This year, Resolution is focusing on backlogs of the family courts. These backlogs leave families waiting long periods of time to agree arrangements for their finances and any children of the relationship. As a result, many families are unable to manage their day-to-day household needs and, often, children may not be having contact with a parent who has moved out of the family home.
A recent YouGov poll of over 1,000 divorcees (commissioned by Resolution) revealed that 41% of those asked who had divorced within the last five years had suffered mental health episodes, including depression and anxiety. Worryingly, of those, just over half (54%) reported having suicidal thoughts.
The survey additionally found a widespread lack of awareness about out-of-court alternatives, with just 21% of divorcees knowing about arbitration and 36% for mediation. This comes at a time when pressures on the court service in England and Wales has rapidly increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At Jolliffes, we offer a free 30-minute advice session for family law matter and can discuss your options with you. We believe this is important as we have seen many families unable to access professional advice, resulting in unfair and less amicable outcomes.
Whist we are unable to offer legal aid support, our Family Law team encourages parties to settle matters out of court where it is safe and appropriate to do so. We also offer competitive hourly rates and a fixed fee divorce package.
To find out more about Good Divorce Week, our free 30-minute advice sessions or to discuss your family law matters generally, speak to one of our specialist Family Law solicitors today on 01244 310022 or at law@jolliffes.com
