Divorce isn’t in Recession

I have read a great deal of speculation concerning how married couples with plans to divorce are being hampered and restricted by the current economic climate. Whether it be due to difficulty in selling a marital home or lack of funds for legal representation to sort out an acrimonious dispute, one could easily assume that there are couples all over the country forced into undesirable living situations. Whilst this may be the case for some, I have my doubts that it can be applied as a general rule.

Though I believe my particular area of the legal profession offers a great service to the confused, distressed and vulnerable, I understand that I deal with situations that are less than desirable and can be particularly unpleasant. Unfortunately, the amount of instruction I received over the past few months has been similar to the post -Christmas aftermath of previous years.

In very few of my recent cases has the financial climate been a direct issue or even cited as a reason for the breakdown. One couple did feel it was sensible to rent out their marital home and put their property up for sale later in the year (which was a wise move as the market seems to picking up), but in most cases this is just detail.

The reasons for divorce are varied and always different for each couple, but in my view they always stem from emotion. Whether it is the breakdown of a relationship, hurt at discovered infidelity or the desire to be with another partner, most couples who have made the decision to separate wish to do so quickly and move on with their lives.

I am afraid I do not believe it when people in my profession tell me that these people, who are often distraught and upset, would choose to prolong what they perceive to be a miserable existence for the promise of future financial gain. Relationships simply don’t run in parallel to economic cycles, so when people ‘want out’ they often need to for the sake of their mental and emotional well being.

The reason why people like me are hired to represent a party to a failed relationship is so that a third party can negotiate and bring the matter to a close as quickly and efficiently as possible. Much as they are a far cry from my clients in Hythe, Madonna and Guy Ritchie gave a very good example at the end of last year of how even a divorce as complicated as theirs can be concluded swiftly, amicably and privately when both sides are willing to invest in good legal support.