Clients often believe that they are resigned to the legal or court process when they are facing a separation or divorce but this is not necessarily the case. What clients don’t always appreciate is that they have more control than they think and as long as both parties agree, they can bespoke their journey by using other services to complement the legal process. Counselling can be used to promote a more amicable separation, Mediation can be used to help deal with issues in dispute, and there are resources and experts available to help parents co-parent better/well.
By engaging the help of other services or resources, the cost and time it will take to navigate the legal process may be significantly reduced and there is an increased chance of keeping relationships intact.
With that in mind, I was eager to invite guests onto the series to give couples experiencing relationship breakdown a deeper insight into how their respective services can help. We tackle common questions, debunk some myths and aim to educate listeners so they can make fully informed decisions about whether or not to engage such services.
Whilst I chip in along the way with a legal perspective if I think it is helpful to do so, the podcast is not designed to tackle the legal process, instead, it focuses on the holistic and practical side to relationship breakdown.
I believe that the more couples make use of the other services available to them, the less traumatic the experience will be.
In episode 1, I talk to Pippa Wood, a relationship counsellor from Relate Jersey. We discuss how counselling can help couples navigate relationship issues and those who have decided that the relationship is at an end and wish to separate amicably. Pippa explains the process and describes how counselling can be used to overcome common issues during or at the end of a marriage.
People often have preconceived ideas about relationship counselling and Pippa helps to debunk some of those myths; hopefully leaving listeners feeling a little more optimistic and open minded about giving counselling a go!
USEFUL LINKS:
Funding for counselling for those who work or have worked in various industries (worth a look!): National Contracts: relatejersey.com
In episode 2, I speak with Helen Morgan and Claire Davies (the Manager and an experienced Mediator) from Family Mediation Jersey. This service helps clients deal with issues in dispute including the division of finances, what should happen to the family home and living arrangements as well as children matters such as contact schedules and where they should live (amongst many other issues).
In the episode we discuss what clients can expect when they embark on a mediation process. Claire and Helen explain the various measures put in place to ensure that clients feel safe and can have full confidence in the process. Claire also describes how rewarding it is when clients get to the end of the process and have found new ways to communicate better – great inspiration and a goal for those considering mediation.
In episode 3, Christina McGhee, a divorce parenting expert, joins me to talk about how parents can deliver the news of a change in the family dynamic to the children in the best possible way, how to help children to cope with those changes and how to co-parent well.
Breaking news to the children about a separation is almost always the biggest worry for parents. In this episode, Christina shares enormously helpful information which parents can implement immediately to help their children deal with changes in the family, whatever stage they are at. Christina provides excellent ideas, tips and great resources for parents and children.
USEFUL LINKS:
Christina’s website: www.divorceandchildren.com (there are further resources on Christina’s website as referred to in the episode)
SPLIT
To get more information or to see the SPLIT trailer click here.
Stream the SPLIT film here
Main website for SPLIT: www.splitfilm.org
In episode 4, Peter Seymour, of The Mortgage Shop, talks to me about ways in which the former matrimonial home can be retained, the options available to people when they are buying and selling property, the factors taken into account by lenders and the process of securing a mortgage. Peter also explains how to get the most out of a mortgage application and how to progress an application efficiently to avoid unnecessarily long delays.
Aside from worrying about the children, where the family will live after relationship breakdown is the second biggest worry people have. Being proactive, understanding all options and taking control of this issue quickly can help alleviate those fears and may even accelerate resolving the legal aspect of the case.
USEFUL LINKS:
We know how daunting it can be to speak to a lawyer and potentially commence a legal process. If you are facing a family law problem, we want to help.
If you would like to hear a little more about who we are, whether we would be a good match for you or when we can get started, get in touch and let’s start the conversation.
You can schedule a complimentary 20 minute call by clicking here or fill out the below form and we will be in touch shortly.
You can schedule a complimentary 20 minute call by clicking here or fill out the below form and we will be in touch shortly.
