A study carried out by Relate reports that 1 in 5 couples in the UK argue regularly and are close to a break-up. Their findings suggest that 2.87 million married or cohabiting couples, are living in “distressed” relationships, where the strains were deemed to be “clinically significant” by Counsellors. It found for children being surrounded by these highly- conflicted relationships it was harmful and that ending the relationship may actually be less damaging than keeping it intact. The research also found that many couples suffered in silence for years and only sought help when it was too late to salvage their relationship.

Is this is sounding all too familiar? Then maybe it’s time to get some legal advice. We’ve just experienced another Christmas which can be an especially difficult time if you are living in an already strained environment. Money worries are heightened by the expectations of gifts, food and entertaining. Visits from extended family members only add to the pressure on couples. Everyone is ‘trying’ to be happy and create the perfect Christmas celebration. The cracks can soon start to show and many couples realise around now that enough is enough.

The New Year is a time of change for many. It’s a time to reflect on the year passed and reassess how we want to improve our lives in the coming New Year. Now is the time for action.

Call one of our offices and speak to a member of our Family Team, or use the ‘Contact Us’ form on our website and we’ll call you. We have specialist family lawyers at all of our offices across Cheshire. We can arrange a free initial consultation with one of our experts at your preferred office or over the telephone. This is a no obligation appointment. It’s an opportunity for you to get some free, expert advice about your options, allowing you to make an informed decision about your future.

Here are some of the things you might want to consider ready for your appointment:

• Do you have children? Do you need an agreement about which parent the child lives with and how much time they spend with the other parent?
• Have you agreed financial arrangements in relation to the children? Do you need to contact Child Maintenance Service? Tip- use their calculator available on-line to get a weekly figure.
• Do you own a home together? Will one of you want to remain in the home? Can one of you afford to buy the other out? Can you re-mortgage? Will the house need to be sold? Have you had the house valued? Do you have any equity in the property? What are your housing needs? Any additional property owned in joint or sole names? Tip- if you are selling; get at least 3 valuations and try to agree a value together, it will save you time and money.
• Are you renting? Does one of you want to take on the tenancy? What is your notice period to the Landlord?
• Do you have a joint bank account, savings or investments? How much money is in these accounts? Do you need to ask the bank to put a freeze on the accounts until a financial agreement is reached? Tip- if your wages are paid into a joint account; consider changing to your sole account and transferring funds into the joint account to cover the monthly outgoings.
• Do you have a bank account, savings or investments in your sole name? What is the value of these? Tip- if you are still living together; consider getting your post re-directed to a family members address or switching to online access wherever possible.
• Do you have any pensions? What is the value of your pension? Does your partner have any pensions? Do you know what these may be worth? Tip- ask for the CETV; be aware the pension provider may charge for this. If there are substantial amounts involved we have expert third parties who can accurately value a fund.
• Do you have any debts or liabilities in your sole name or in joint names? How much remains owed on each of these? Tip- get up-to-date statements from creditors.
• Do you own a business? Tip- Don’t worry, our family lawyers are experts, we also have an excellent in house Corporate and Commercial department who we can liaise with on any tricky business related issues.

Don’t delay, call our Freephone number 01270 625478 (24/7, 7 days a week) and arrange to meet with an expert Family Law Solicitor for a free, no obligation, initial consultation at one of our offices and discuss your options.

We have a Specialist Family Law Solicitor at each of our offices below:

Nantwich | Sandbach | Crewe | Congleton | Alsager