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Talk about divorce and know your options

A regional family lawyer is calling for more widespread information to be available to couples to ensure they fully understand the options available to them if they choose to divorce.

Ailsa Gilhespy, a family lawyer with Samuel Phillips Law Firm, was horrified by recent headlines about a divorcing woman being charged £4,000 for photocopying.

Ailsa said: “It disheartens anyone working in family law to read such headlines. The problems come because divorcing couples are not aware of the options available to them, options which can avoid court, and also minimise the stress and animosity.”

Ailsa recommended that divorcing couples use Resolution, the national organisation of family lawyers, to research the choices available to them, including the alternatives to going to court, such as collaborative law, mediation and arbitration. She said that solicitors who are members of Resolution are committed to providing clients with realistic cost estimates, which include the possibility of complications which could develop.

Ailsa commented: “The cost of divorce should be discussed openly upfront. The solicitor should present the various options available to the client, explaining the benefits of each, including any cost benefits.”

She added: “Separation and divorce is messy and painful. Clients need to ‘own their case’, and need to work with a lawyer who can understand what is important or upsetting to them. There are options available which do not involve going to court, and could be much more suitable for the couple, but people don’t always know their choices. Maybe we’re still too reserved in this country. Maybe we need to talk more about the realities of divorce. The reality is that you can avoid the courts and you can choose a route which will minimise the anxiety and stress, and a good lawyer will be upfront and honest with you about the potential costs.”

For more information about Resolution and the services it provides, visit www.resolution.org.uk.

Samuel Phillips offers a comprehensive range of legal services to business and private clients. For any further information, please see www.samuelphillips.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Hignett, i2i Business Solutions .