Supporting Good Divorce Week 2022

The five days between 28 November and 2 December 2022 mark this year’s Good Divorce Week – an initiative from family law organisation, Resolution, to help divorcing and separating couples resolve their disputes outside of Court.

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the family courts are facing massive backlogs, meaning that separating couples are currently facing long waits to settle financial and child custody arrangements. In addition to the expense of a long and drawn-out court case, court delays can cause couples a lot of extra stress and heartache, preventing them from getting their divorce settled and moving on with their lives.

Research from Resolution lays bare the suffering and cost caused by family court delays. In a survey of family law professionals, the organisation found:

• 20% said court delays had forced clients to rely on benefits
• 34% said they’d referred a client to a counsellor or therapist to help them cope with the stress
• 90% said court backlogs were causing additional and unnecessary pressure for clients.

Supporting good divorces this week – and every week

Good Divorce Week is a vital initiative to raise awareness of the financial and mental toll that court delays can take. That’s why Resolution is engaging with MPs and policymakers to spread the word about the benefits of early legal intervention and access to free advice.

At Attwaters, our Family Law team have always understood the value of free legal advice at the beginning of a client’s journey with us. Not only does the client get access to valuable guidance that may help shape the path they take through their divorce, but they also get to know us and understand if we’re a good fit for their needs. That’s why we offer a free, 30-minute consultation to discuss your case and advise on next steps.

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Head of Family Law at Attwaters Jameson Hill, Belinda Strange, said:

“Backlogs are wreaking havoc on local families in Hertfordshire and Essex. Even couples who want to separate amicably are having their patience and their continued relationship tested to breaking point by long delays. When it comes to sorting out child arrangements and finances after divorce, the situation is even bleaker.

“Children are waiting nearly a year for the courts to determine which parent they live with, what school they go to, how much time they spend with the other parent – putting the whole family’s life on hold. This is simply unacceptable and another reason why getting early professional advice is so important for families.

“We are proud to be offering 30-minute free advice sessions, both during Good Divorce Week and every week thereafter, so families get the benefit of early professional advice.”