Category: Divorce and Family Law

On the scale of life trauma events that somebody might go through divorce sits just below the death of a family member.

Emotions and Divorce

Many people going through divorce recognise emotions often linked to grief, such as shock, anger, bargaining, sadness and acceptance. These feelings rarely happen in a neat order, and they may come and go throughout the process.

Legal milestones can make those emotions feel stronger. That is one reason why the right legal support can make such a difference.

Even when separation is the right step, it can still bring sadness, uncertainty and a sense of loss.

You may be grieving the relationship itself, the future you expected, or changes to family life.

Although the no-fault divorce system has made the legal side more straightforward, the emotional side can still be very difficult.

Solicitors and Divorce

A good solicitor does more than deal with forms and deadlines. They provide calm, clear advice and help clients make sensible decisions during what is often a very emotional time.

1. The Decision to Divorce: Denial, Shock and Early Advice

The early stage of divorce can feel unreal. One person may have had time to think about separation, while the other may still be in shock. People often struggle to take in information or decide what to do first.

At this point, a solicitor can provide reassurance and structure. They can explain the divorce process, advise whether a sole or joint application may be best, and help the client think about immediate concerns such as the home, finances or children.

Early advice often helps people feel more in control.

2. Issuing the Divorce Application: Anger and the Need for Clarity

When the divorce application is issued, the situation often feels more real. That can bring relief, but it can also trigger anger or upset. Even with no-fault divorce, receiving formal paperwork can feel like a major emotional moment.

A solicitor helps by turning the legal process into clear, manageable steps. They can prepare or review the application, explain what happens next, and help clients avoid unnecessary conflict.

Their guidance keeps the focus on practical outcomes rather than blame.

3. The Reflection Period: Bargaining, Uncertainty and Planning Ahead

After the application is issued, there is a 20-week wait before applying for the Conditional Order. Emotionally, this can be a time of uncertainty.

Clients may revisit old conversations, wonder if things could have gone differently, or feel stuck between the past and the future.

This period can also be used well. A solicitor can help gather financial information, discuss arrangements for children, and explore ways to resolve matters without going to court if appropriate.

That practical support can make an uncertain stage feel more manageable.

4. Conditional Order: Sadness, Finality and Protecting the Future

By the time the Conditional Order is granted, many people feel a deeper sense of sadness. The divorce is no longer just an idea; it is moving towards legal finality.

If finances or arrangements for children are still unresolved, this stage can feel especially heavy.

A solicitor’s advice is particularly important here. They can help make sure financial matters are dealt with properly and that the client does not finalise the divorce too soon without the right protection in place.

While the client is dealing with the emotional side, the solicitor is helping secure stability for the future.

5. Final Order: Acceptance and Moving Forward

Six weeks and one day after the Conditional Order, it is usually possible to apply for the Final Order, which legally ends the marriage. By this stage, some people feel relief, while others still feel sadness.

Acceptance does not mean the emotions vanish; it simply means the future is beginning to come into view.

A solicitor can still help after the Final Order by dealing with practical matters such as financial implementation, property issues and any remaining legal steps.

That support helps clients move forward with more confidence.

Why a Solicitor Matters Throughout the Process

• They explain things clearly and simply.
• They help protect the client’s position on finances, property and children.
• They reduce avoidable conflict where possible.
• They help clients make steady, informed decisions.
• They provide reassurance during a difficult time.

Divorce is both a legal ending and a personal transition.

When it is viewed through the lens of grief, it becomes easier to understand why even simple legal steps can feel emotionally draining.

A solicitor cannot take away the pain of separation, but they can offer clarity, support and practical guidance at every stage.

For many clients, that makes the journey feel less overwhelming and the future feel more manageable.

We’re here to help with family issues, relationship and marriage law

If you find yourself in a complex situation and need support, we offer a FREE Initial Conversation with a friendly and experienced Lawson West Family Solicitor.

Our solicitors are able to speak to you on the telephone to provide an initial, FREE no obligation discussion. We can then invite you to a meeting, when detailed instructions can be taken and provide you with more detailed tailored advice.

How to Make an Appointment to Discuss Your Situation with a Solicitor

You can complete our Contact Form here, or you can call us on 0116 212 1000.

We’re here to help.

This article: Created by AI and checked by a qualified solicitor. This article is intended as general commentary only and is not legal advice. Specific outcomes in family law depend on the facts of each case and the applicable law at the time.

We get it! It’s July and you are thinking about the sun, sea, sand and the long summer holidays, not about Christmas.

But for some parents, they will not be spending time with, or at least quality time with their children this December. This can be miserable for the parent and the child.

The Family Court’s position

The law is that children should be allowed to have a relationship with both of their parents at Christmas, unless there are extreme circumstances. Even then, the court would look at other ways to maintain that relationship.

The importance of Give and Take

At Lason West we will always attempt to resolve matters surrounding children by discussion. This allows the parents to have their say and have some control over the arrangements. It allows give and take.

What if parents can’t agree?

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, resolution through discussion or negotiation proves impossible and an application to court must be made.

July – a good time for Planning Ahead

Although it is only July, many families are already beginning to plan ahead for Christmas and New Year child arrangements.

Early conversations about Christmas are a good thing, as no one wants a heated debate or surprise deadlock during the seasonal festivities.

Applications to the Court can take weeks

An application can be made to court, for the court to consider what time a child spends with each parent, including weekends, weeknights, school holidays and special occasions such as Christmas, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter.

Be warned, if it needs escalating to the courts, delay could affect arrangements: the average time for Children Act private law cases to reach the final order was 39 weeks during April to June 2025.

These are cases where the parents are in dispute about the arrangements for their children.

What to do about Christmas child arrangements?

If you are not able to spend time with your child, or are not spending quality time with your child, then we would urge you to make contact with our experienced Family Law team.

The longer matters go unresolved, the harder they become to resolve. Our sensitive and knowledgeable family solicitors can help you to bring issues to an agreed conclusion.

How to Contact Our Solicitors – you can complete our Contact Form here, or you can call us on 0116 212 1000.

We’re here to help.

If you have received, or expect to receive, an inheritance, it is natural to wonder what might happen to it if your relationship breaks down.

The short answer is that inheritance is not always shared on divorce, but it is not automatically protected either.

In England and Wales, the court looks at what is fair in the overall circumstances, including the financial needs of both parties and any children.

A helpful starting point: what counts as shared and what does not

Broadly speaking, assets built up during the marriage are more likely to be treated as part of the shared pot.

Inheritance is often looked at differently and may be treated as separate, especially if it was received before the marriage, after separation, or kept apart from day-to-day family finances.

That said, there is no automatic rule, and the court can still take inherited assets into account if fairness requires it.

When inheritance can still be at risk

Even if an inheritance starts off as separate, it can still become part of the picture on divorce.

A common reason is simple financial need. If there is not enough in the shared assets to rehouse both parties or meet reasonable living costs, the court may look at inherited money as well.

It can also become harder to argue that an inheritance should stay separate if it has been mixed in with joint finances, for example by paying it into a joint account, using it for the family home, or spending it on shared expenses.

Practical steps you can take

1. Keep inherited money separate from any joint accounts if you can.
2. Try not to use inherited funds for the family home or everyday family spending unless you understand that this may weaken the argument that it should stay separate.
3. Keep clear paperwork showing when the inheritance was received, where it came from, and what has happened to it since.
4. Consider a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement that makes clear that inherited assets, including future inheritance, are intended to remain separate.
5. Take advice early, especially if you are about to receive an inheritance or are already worried about a possible claim.
6. In some cases, trusts or wider estate-planning arrangements may help, although the court will always look at the reality of the situation.

How pre-nups and post-nups can help

A well-prepared pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement can be one of the best ways to strengthen the protection around an inheritance.

These agreements are not automatically binding in England and Wales, but the court will often give them real weight if they have been entered into properly. That usually means both people have taken legal advice, exchanged full financial information, and understood what they were signing.

They can be particularly useful where someone wants to protect family wealth or preserve an inheritance for children from an earlier relationship.

Protecting Parents Contributions

Another point to consider is how parents can protect money that they may have provided to assist with for example purchasing a property.  Often money is provided although not protected.  Then if divorce proceedings commence one party will often argue that the money was a gift, the other arguing it was a loan.  The result can be that as part of any court proceedings parents need to be involved as what are called Interveners, and legal costs increase for everyone.

If there was a declaration of trust prepared from the outset this can record what will happen in the event of children subsequently getting divorced.  It protects that money so that parents can be reimbursed what they contributed.

Conclusion

In most cases, protecting an inheritance comes down to three things: keeping it separate, keeping good records, and planning ahead. The earlier you take advice, the easier it usually is to put sensible protection in place. Every case is different, though, and much will depend on the overall finances and what the court considers fair.

This article is intended as general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Specific advice should always be taken on the facts of an individual case.

Here to help with family issues, relationship and marriage law

If you find yourself in a complex situation and need support, we offer a FREE Initial Conversation with a friendly and experienced Lawson West Family Solicitor.

Our solicitors are able to speak to you on the telephone to provide an initial, FREE no obligation discussion. We can then invite you to a meeting, when detailed instructions can be taken and provide you with more detailed tailored advice.

How to Make an Appointment to Discuss Your Situation with a Solicitor

You can complete our Contact Form here, or you can call us on 0116 212 1000.

We’re here to help.

This article: Created by AI and checked by a qualified solicitor. This article is intended as general commentary only and is not legal advice. Specific outcomes in family law depend on the facts of each case and the applicable law at the time.

The case of M v F & Anor is a useful reminder that family law is not only about orders, rules and arguments. It is also about people, relationships and the chance to put things right.

Teenager Troubles

In this case, the court was dealing with a teenage child whose parents had been in conflict since she was 18 months old.  She is now 17.

At the end of the hearing, the judge suggested that the father should think carefully about what he had done wrong and consider apologising to his daughter. That was an important point. A simple apology will not solve everything, but it can be the first step towards rebuilding trust.

Why Saying Sorry Is Important

Saying sorry can matter a great deal in family cases. These cases often become stuck because each person feels hurt and no one wants to admit fault. An apology does not change the past, but it can show understanding.

If a parent is able to see how their behaviour has affected a child, that may help the court and other professionals decide whether a relationship can improve in a safe and healthy way. In that sense, an apology is not just about feelings. It can have real practical value.

Of course, not every apology is helpful. People can say sorry in a way that sounds empty, forced or insincere.

What is a Good Apology?

A good apology usually does three things:

• it admits what happened
• recognises the hurt caused
• and accepts responsibility without making excuses.

In cases involving children, this can be especially important. A real apology may help a child feel listened to and may make future contact less tense. It is not a magic solution. If there are safety concerns, or if harmful behaviour continues, an apology on its own will not be enough. It only helps if it is followed by real change.

Why Sincere Apologies Matter 

Overall, M v F & Anor shows that the law can sometimes make space for something very human: remorse.

In family cases, the aim is often not just to decide who is right, but to reduce harm and support better relationships in the future.

A sincere apology cannot undo years of conflict, and it will not always lead to reconciliation. Even so, it can be an important start.

For lawyers and clients alike, the lesson is simple. We should not think an apology solves everything, but we should recognise that saying sorry, when it is genuine, can be one of the most useful steps a person can take.

Here to help with family issues, relationship and marriage law

If you find yourself in a complex situation and need support, we offer a FREE Initial Conversation with a friendly and experienced Lawson West Family Solicitor.

Our solicitors are able to speak to you on the telephone to provide an initial, FREE no obligation discussion. We can then invite you to a meeting, when detailed instructions can be taken and provide you with more detailed tailored advice.

How to Make an Appointment to Discuss Your Situation with a Solicitor

You can complete our Contact Form here, or you can call us on 0116 212 1000.

We’re here to help.

This article: Created by AI and checked by a qualified solicitor. This article is intended as general commentary only and is not legal advice. Specific outcomes in family law depend on the facts of each case and the applicable law at the time.

The case of M v F & Anor is a useful reminder that family law is not only about orders, rules and arguments. It is also about people, relationships and the chance to put things right.

Teenager Troubles

In this case, the court was dealing with a teenage child whose parents had been in conflict since she was 18 months old.  She is now 17.

At the end of the hearing, the judge suggested that the father should think carefully about what he had done wrong and consider apologising to his daughter. That was an important point. A simple apology will not solve everything, but it can be the first step towards rebuilding trust.

Why Saying Sorry Is Important

Saying sorry can matter a great deal in family cases. These cases often become stuck because each person feels hurt and no one wants to admit fault. An apology does not change the past, but it can show understanding.

If a parent is able to see how their behaviour has affected a child, that may help the court and other professionals decide whether a relationship can improve in a safe and healthy way. In that sense, an apology is not just about feelings. It can have real practical value.

Of course, not every apology is helpful. People can say sorry in a way that sounds empty, forced or insincere.

What is a Good Apology?

A good apology usually does three things:

• it admits what happened
• recognises the hurt caused
• and accepts responsibility without making excuses.

In cases involving children, this can be especially important. A real apology may help a child feel listened to and may make future contact less tense. It is not a magic solution. If there are safety concerns, or if harmful behaviour continues, an apology on its own will not be enough. It only helps if it is followed by real change.

Sincere Apologies Matter 

Overall, M v F & Anor shows that the law can sometimes make space for something very human: remorse.

In family cases, the aim is often not just to decide who is right, but to reduce harm and support better relationships in the future.

A sincere apology cannot undo years of conflict, and it will not always lead to reconciliation. Even so, it can be an important start.

For lawyers and clients alike, the lesson is simple. We should not think an apology solves everything, but we should recognise that saying sorry, when it is genuine, can be one of the most useful steps a person can take.

Here to help with family issues, relationship and marriage law

If you find yourself in a complex situation and need support, we offer a FREE Initial Conversation with a friendly and experienced Lawson West Family Solicitor.

Our solicitors are able to speak to you on the telephone to provide an initial, FREE no obligation discussion. We can then invite you to a meeting, when detailed instructions can be taken and provide you with more detailed tailored advice.

How to Make an Appointment to Discuss Your Situation with a Solicitor

You can complete our Contact Form here, or you can call us on 0116 212 1000.

We’re here to help.

This article: Created by AI and checked by a qualified solicitor. This article is intended as general commentary only and is not legal advice. Specific outcomes in family law depend on the facts of each case and the applicable law at the time.