It may seem strange to combine the words ‘good’ and ‘divorce’, but the sentiment of Resolution’s Good Divorce Week (due to run next week, 30^th November to 4^th December) is focused upon the process and outcome for the parties concerned, rather than a comment on the nature of divorce.

Once a relationship has failed to the point of divorce, it is the responsibility of all advisers involved to guide the couple to a constructive resolution that works for them, and reflects the needs of any children.

Resolution (formally known as the Solicitors Family Law Association) was founded in 1982 by a group of family lawyers who believed that a non-confrontational approach to family law issues would produce better outcomes for separating families.

In short, Resolution is a community of family justice professionals who work with families and individuals to resolve issues, following a code of practice that tries to reduce the conflict that can easily arise in such emotion-fuelled circumstances.  They have been a driving force behind changes to UK divorce laws, including the no-fault divorce bill which is set to come into force in the autumn of 2021.

Avoiding parental alienation

Resolution is putting its code of practice at the heart of its ‘Good Divorce Week’.  At the forefront of this annual initiative is the promotion of practical ways for separating parents to put the needs of their children ahead of their own, thus avoiding the parental alienation trap.

The Family Law team here at Ansons all subscribe to Resolution’s ethos and principles and observe its code of practice.  This reflects our approach to every one of our Family Law clients, and the challenges they are facing. The team aims to ensure that we will:

• Reduce or manage any conflict and confrontation; for example, by not using inflammatory language;
• Support and encourage families to put the best interests of any children first;
• Act with honesty, integrity and objectivity;
• Help clients understand and manage the potential long-term financial and emotional consequences of their decisions;
• Listen to and treat everyone with respect and without judgment;
• Use our experience and knowledge to guide clients through the options available and
• Continually develop our knowledge and skills.

The team here at Ansons believe there is real value in providing early advice and guiding clients towards dealing with their matter in a constructive and amicable manner.  It is obvious that cases dealt with to the contrary cause immense stress and take an emotional toll on adults and any children.  In addition, of course, the more couples fight and dispute, the greater their legal costs will be.

Inevitably, it is usual for difficult issues to arise, but a skilled and sensitive approach by an experienced family lawyer can guide clients to a ‘good divorce’.

At Ansons our family lawyers are experienced and alert to dealing with divorce cases in a manner appropriate to the described ethos and values of the Resolution organisation.

If divorce is on your mind and you would like to discuss possible solutions to achieve a good divorce, then please get in touch with Mike Vale, a Family Law Consultant here at Ansons on 01543 267236 or email him at mvale@ansons.law

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