The New Year often brings a renewed focus on practical decisions and future stability. Where a marriage has broken down irretrievably, divorce can feel overwhelming but it frequently carries significant legal, financial, and personal consequences so should not be ignored at the start of a new year. A solicitor’s role is to protect legal rights, manage risk, and achieve a durable outcome that reduces the scope for future dispute.
Clarifying the Divorce Process and Setting a Legal Strategy
A solicitor can explain the divorce procedure in plain terms, including the expected timetable, key documents, and likely costs. More importantly, a solicitor will help identify what needs to be resolved alongside the divorce itself—particularly finances and arrangements for children—and will recommend a strategy that aligns with the client’s objectives (for example, prioritising speed, privacy, asset protection, or long-term financial security).
Managing Financial Disclosure and Divorce Settlement Negotiations
Most divorce-related disputes arise from finances, not from the divorce application. A solicitor can:
- – Advise on the duty of full and frank financial disclosure and the consequences of non-compliance;
- – Compile and present disclosure in an organised, persuasive manner;
- – Identify omissions, inconsistencies, or undervaluation in the other party’s disclosure; and
- – Negotiate a settlement that is fair, workable, and capable of being approved by the court.
A key benefit of using a solicitor is ensuring that any agreement is properly documented and, where appropriate, converted into a court order (such as a consent order). This is often essential to achieve finality and prevent later claims.
Ensuring Divorce Agreements Are Enforceable and Future-Proof
Informal agreements can unravel, particularly where circumstances change or new relationships develop. A solicitor ensures the final agreement is drafted precisely, deals with the key contingencies (deadlines, implementation steps, indemnities, tax considerations), and is enforceable. This reduces the prospect of future litigation and helps clients move forward with confidence. You don’t want your ex spouse returning in 20 years making a claim against all you have built up since the divorce. Securing an enforceable agreement protects against that.
Making the New Year a Turning Point After Divorce
Divorce can be emotionally taxing, but legally it is best approached with structure, clarity, and careful documentation. A solicitor can provide the technical guidance and negotiation support required to achieve a clean break where appropriate, protect children’s welfare, and secure a settlement that stands the test of time.
Divorce and Family Law Advice from Fiona Bruce Solicitors
At Fiona Bruce Solicitors, we have a wealth of experience in giving advice relating to divorce matters, including Solicitor Partner and Head of Family, Philip Porter who is a Law Society Family Law Advanced Accredited practitioner, and Associate Solicitor, Leah Knight who is a Law Society Family Law Accredited practitioner. Should you wish to seek help or advice, please contact the Family Team either by email via enquiries@fionabruce.co.uk or by telephone on 01925 263 273 and ask for the Fiona Bruce Family Team.
The contents of this post do not constitute legal advice and are provided for general information purposes only ■
