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Divorce with a business involved

Going through Divorce with a Business Involved

Published on
Victor Collins
Partner and Solicitor at Nelsons Solicitors

The family business comes in all shapes and sizes and in view of this can often be the most difficult financial settlement to conclude following a divorce.

In today’s uncertain economic climate there are potential storms on the horizon for the family business and in the event of a divorce, the business needs to be protected as quickly as possible for its survival and commercial viability for the future.

Why are there complications in these circumstances?

Dealing with the family business following divorce can raise many complex issues involving inheritance, financial contributions and other family members having a share or interest in the business.

How do the courts decide who gets what?

Historically, the family court and trial judge would seek to protect the family business from being heavily involved in a matrimonial settlement in order to avoid the business having to be sold. In view of the position, it was previously possible to try and ‘ring-fence’ the business. However, the position has changed following the case White v White 2001.

In the case, the court dealt with a 33-year marriage and assets totalling £4.6 million, the main being the family farming business. The case went to The Supreme Court, where Mrs White was awarded £1.69 million, 40% of the matrimonial assets, which resulted in the business having to be sold in order to provide Mrs White’s settlement.

Since the case, the law has leaned towards fairness and dividing the matrimonial assets and courts will only depart from equality where there is good reason to do so.

Understanding the business structure

The first step in resolving the family business is to understand the business structure, of which there are three main types:

1. The sole trader is the owner and controller of the business assets and personally liable for the business and its debts.

2. Partnerships can be formal or informal. There are various types of partnership. In view of the position the business structure can be more complicated. Partnership shares and ownership can vary as can business liability.

3.  A limited company can also be more complicated. This involves the issue of shares and appointment of directors within the company. There can be many owners of the business with restrictions being placed on the transfer of shares in the business.

Having established the family business structure, the next step is to value the business.

How is the family business valued?

The valuation of the family business is a crucial starting point since this determines what is in the ‘matrimonial pot’ for distribution between a divorcing couple.

The valuation of the business will almost always be based upon the current market valuation. Normally the valuation will be by a single joint expert who will be an independent qualified accountant.

In order to carry out the valuation the accountant will require full financial disclosure in relation to the business consisting of financial and management accounts. The accountant may also be instructed to deal with other issues such as: the liquidity of the business in order to raise funds and Capital Gains Tax payable on the transfer of shares, or disposal of the business.

When the family business involves land and buildings then it will be necessary to instruct an estate agent as a single joint expert to provide a valuation of these assets.

What could happen to the family business?

The final stage of the process is to decide how to deal with the family business as a settlement between a divorcing couple.  This will normally involve three options:

1. Putting the business up for sale: This option enables a divorcing couple to sell the business and divide the profits. However, selling the business may not always be practical or feasible for various reasons. It will also mean ‘selling the goose that lays the golden egg’.

2. Buying out the other spouse’s interest: This can involve a cash payment from the business to achieve this object. This can also involve a set-off, for example, one spouse taking ownership of the family business and the other spouse taking ownership of the former family home.

3. Co-owning the family business: For divorcing spouses who do not wish to sell the business then co-ownership of the business is another option. However, this is subject to the spouses being able to continue running the business together and being able to get on.”

Professional advice

It is important for divorcing spouses to ensure the correct professional experts are instructed to deal with the family business on divorce.

This not only involves specialised solicitors but also other professionals to deal with valuation and taxation implications in order to ensure the business is not at risk going forward and at the same time achieving a settlement which is fair and reasonable.

About Victor Collins

Victor qualified as a solicitor in 1983 and joined Nelsons in 2013.

He is a well-respected expert in financial settlements, regularly handling divorce cases with substantial assets with a particular emphasis on those involving a family business.

Victor has also developed a niche specialism advising on pre-nuptial, post-nuptial and separation agreements.

For more information on Nelsons Solicitors please visit www.nelsonslaw.co.uk or call 0115 958 6262.

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What Can Brexit Teach Us About Divorce?

What Can Brexit Teach Us About Divorce?

Published on
Natalie Jenner
Head of Divorce and Family Law at Parslows

If you’re currently going through a divorce, you’re not alone.

The entire population of the UK and the rest of the EU are going through the same thing. With a divorce bill and even divorce papers, Brexit is often talked about in terms of divorce. As such, it’s worth asking what the split between the UK and the EU can teach us about the dissolution of marriages.

1. The Decision Can Be Sudden, But The Process Can Take Years

The UK has always had something of an internal conflict about whether or not it wants to be part of the EU. However, on 24th June 2016, a slim enough majority of the voting public decided that the relationship had run its course, and that was that.

The decision came out of nowhere, leaving the rest of the EU “stunned”, but the process of actually handling the divorce has been a long and drawn out affair. Even with the agreement to “accelerate” Brexit talks, it’ll still be 2019 before the UK leaves the EU — almost three years after it voted to do so.

The decision to get divorced can also come out of nowhere, leaving many people as “stunned” as the EU were, but the process can also be convoluted. Between getting your decree nisi and your decree absolute, a divorce can take a whole year to fully complete.

Of course, the decision only appears “sudden” from the side that’s not expecting it. From the other side, it’s a decision which has had a lot of thought put into it…

2. Only One Half of the Relationship Needs to Be Unhappy

Divorce isn’t always a mutual decision. It’s perfectly possible for one person to be happily married while their partner is thinking of whether or not to leave them. This is why people can be surprised by a divorce, even if the signs have been there for years.

Brexit is also a perfect example of this. The EU had no intentions of kicking the UK out, but the UK has been considering leaving the EU for a long, long time.

3. Divorce Doesn’t Need to Be Expensive

The negotiations between the UK and the EU came to a standstill when the issue of the “divorce bill” stopped both sides from reaching an agreement on anything. On the one hand, there is the reported €75 billion the UK owes the EU once it leaves. On the other hand, there is the apparent €10 billion the EU owes the UK once it leaves.

While no divorce in the history of divorces has ever been that expensive, some famous settlements have been pretty eye-watering. Of course, a divorce doesn’t need to cost that much. If the EU and the UK could settle their differences, the figure could be a lot smaller. In much the same way, joint asset valuations are a great way of coming to a compromise both ex-partners can agree on.

4. Public Divorces Are Messy

For the UK and the EU, a public divorce is the only option. The results are not pretty.

The news media is constantly churning out stories about how Brexit negotiations are going. The worse it looks, and the more disputes each side have, the more news it generates.

However, all of this is a necessary evil in the name of free speech. The public doesn’t want to be shielded from the ugliness of the negotiations. They want to know every detail and it is the duty of the news media to tell them about every detail.

By contrast, if you have children, the last thing you want is a messy, public divorce.

For most parents, the ideal way to handle the situation is to keep it out of the courts and to keep everything private. In short, you do want to shield your children from the ugliness of it all. So, be civil, be discreet, and remember: once upon a time, you both loved each other.

About Natalie

Natalie Jenner is the Head of Divorce and Family Law at Parslows. She specialises in dealing with civil partnership dissolutions, financial settlements, child issues, wills, and divorces as well as many other family legal matters.

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How Divorce can Affect Farming Families

Moving on to Pastures New: How Divorce can Affect Farming Families

Published on
Victor Collins
Partner and Solicitor at Nelsons Solicitors

The breakdown of a marriage in any family is an upsetting and emotional experience for those involved.

However, the ramifications and financial upheaval can be considerable and far reaching where a divorce affects a family farm.

There are few other occupations where home and work are so interrelated – the farm is not just a home and business, but a way of life. A farm can involve close family involvement and vested interests and can often be a capital rich, but income light, asset.

Why are there complications in these circumstances?

A farm may have been in the family for a number of generations, resulting in parents and siblings inheriting and sharing the agricultural business. This complex ownership means in the event of a divorce, resolving the family farm as a matrimonial asset can be a very difficult process involving special consideration.

How do the courts decide who gets what?

Where a couple divorces, all assets are taken into account regardless of where they came from. Since the case of White v White 2001, the law has leaned towards fairness when dividing the matrimonial assets and courts will only depart from equality where there is good reason to do so.

However, an equal division of assets and wealth accumulated during a marriage is not always achievable for farmers. This is because of the need to preserve assets that were inherited or owned long before the marriage.

White v White happened to be a case where the parties ran a farm in a farming partnership.

Prior to this case, financial cases tended to be settled based upon a ‘reasonable needs’ basis. This meant that in farming cases it was a lot easier to protect pre-matrimonial assets such as the farm from being sold to fund a divorce settlement.

However, White v White established the principle of fairness. The court ruled that the ‘yardstick of equality’ should be applied so the contribution of both parties to the marriage, and its length, should be taken into account.

This means the financially weaker party should not be disadvantaged and discriminated against when making a divorce settlement.

When a divorce takes place in these circumstances, it is first necessary to ascertain the make-up of the farming business. This includes legal ownership of the land, family trusts and tenancies.

The next stage is to value the farm. In this respect, a specialist valuer is required. It is essential to ensure all aspects of the farm are valued, including land, buildings, farm machinery, livestock and subsidies.

Finally, it is time to divide the farm and the other matrimonial assets.

 How is the farm and other matrimonial assets divided?

Barron J, in her judgement in the Y v Y 2012 case, gave seven factors as a useful guideline and checklist in farming cases relevant to the principle of sharing:

  1. the nature of the assets (e.g. land/property, art, antiques, jewellery on the one hand, and cash or realisable securities on the other);
  2. whether the inherited assets have been preserved in specie or converted in to different assets, realised or even spent;
  3. how long they have been ‘in the family’;
  4. the established or accepted intentions of both the previous holders of the assets and the spouse who has inherited them;
  5. whether they have been ‘mingled’ (for example by being put into joint names of the spouses, or by being mixed with assets generated during the marriage);
  6. the length of the marriage and therefore the period over which they have been ‘enjoyed’ by the other spouse;
  7. whether the other spouse has directly contributed to the improvement or preservation of the inherited wealth.

Protecting your assets

A common mistake and misconception made by farmers and land owners is that a farming asset or business is ‘ring-fenced’ and therefore excluded from any divorce settlement. This is not the case.

The principle of equality established in White v White means that all assets, including the farm, must be taken into account when determining a divorce settlement based upon the requirement of fairness.

However, a trial judge does have the discretion to depart from this basic principle if it becomes clear an equal division of assets is not fair.

This is particularly the case if such a division is likely to damage the farm and business irrevocably.

For these reasons, farming cases can present a number of complex and unique challenges which require an experienced family solicitor specialising in farming cases for their resolution.

For more information on Nelsons Solicitors please visit www.nelsonslaw.co.uk or call 0115 958 6262.

About Victor Collins

Victor qualified as a solicitor in 1983 and joined Nelsons in 2013.

He is a well-respected expert in financial settlements, regularly handling divorce cases with substantial assets with a particular emphasis on those involving a family business.

Victor has also developed a niche specialism advising on pre-nuptial, post-nuptial and separation agreements.

 

 

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how to make sure your marriage fails

How to Make Sure your Marriage Fails

Published on
Clayton Miller
Clayton Miller
Founding Member Partner KMJ Solicitors

The reasoning behind divorces ranges from the unique and shocking to the textbook irritation of spouses.

The latter is very much commonplace in married life and can often result in the demise of holy matrimony.

Although the divorce rate in the UK has dropped quite a bit over the last few years, there are still plenty of people who find themselves with seemingly no choice but to part ways.

In some cases, a divorce is the result of a couple growing apart or some unavoidable circumstance.

But in many other situations, certain actions or behaviour have been the main reason for the destruction of a relationship, ensuring the marriage ends in divorce.

In this article, we’ll take a look at a few of the day-to-day and long-term issues that will make sure your marriage stands next to no chance of lasting.

Step One: Rude and Unreasonable Behaviour

From a very young age, we are taught the importance of good manners, and whether it’s in a social or professional environment, they can make or break relationships.

Not only is rudeness and being unreasonable hurtful to the one that you love; it’s also an embarrassing trait to have in social situations.

If you’re interrupting people, being rude to their friends or family, or prioritising your own time over that of your partner’s, you’re ticking all the boxes for snappy separation.

If rudeness is a recent development that a couple fails to acknowledge and attempt to find the source of the irritation, there’s a good chance it will mean curtains for the relationship.

No-one should have to deal with rudeness on a daily basis. The workplace is somewhere you might expect it, but not at home where you want to relax. Good manners don’t cost a thing — a phrase you should always keep in mind.

Step Two: All Work and No Play

There’s no doubt a successful career is something that most people strive to achieve, and doing so is a huge benefit to support a family and all of the responsibilities that go with it.

That said, individuals who spend a significant amount of their time focusing on their work life will often see their personal life suffer as a result.

This is especially prominent for small business owners — of which there are many in the modern business world — as they are responsible for an entire company and all of the duties it entails.

By spending the majority of your time working on the various aspects of your professional life, your career will undoubtedly benefit. But, in the process, there’s a good chance it will cost you your marriage.

Step Three: Be Financially Unreliable

Now, this may sound like a contradiction to our previous point, as you’ll have to work a fair amount to be able to support your family.

But in this case, we aren’t speaking about your ability to make money; it’s more your ability to maintain it and be trustworthy with the funds you do have in the bank.

Becoming unreliable with money could be down to any number of reasons, whether it’s in regards to your professional life such as investments, or your personal life, where habits and addictions can come into play.

No matter the reason, it causes a massive strain on your family, both emotionally and financially.

If you have to bail yourself out with the money needed for bills and other essential payments, you’re sure to find that the next asset that leaves your side will be your partner.

Step Four: Dishonesty

This is a big one! Trust is one of the cornerstones of any relationship.

Dishonesty is an efficient way to diminish the trust in a marriage and ensure an eventual divorce. As you read this, you’ll probably be imagining the big lies that ruin marriages, such as cheating or lying about money.

But in reality, many of the lies that bring a marriage to its knees are day-to-day happenings that don’t even need to be lied about. It’s often not the lie itself. It’s the principle of your partner being a dishonest person.

Lies — yes, that includes ‘white lies’ as well — aren’t the only form of dishonesty that can cause significant problems.

If you have knowledge of something that could undermine your relationship or have a major effect on your family, but decide to keep schtum, then you’re just as dishonest as those with pants on fire.

The reasons for divorce are always unique and relate to the situation of the two people involved.

But, when it comes down to the basic reasoning of why the marriage didn’t run its course, the points mentioned above are often the culprits. These four steps are very common and, when put into effect — and the recipient is pushed to their limit — they will ensure that your marriage fails.

About Clayton Miller

Clayton Miller is a family lawyer based in London and the lead partner of KMJ Solicitors. His firm provides legal advice on matters relating to family law — from prenuptial agreements to child care arrangements to divorces.

 

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family law

The Complex and Forever Changing Face of Family Law

Published on
Daniel Rushton
Head of Family Law
Grindeys Solicitors

In March 2017, a divorce case hit the national headlines because the courts refused to grant a divorce to a wife because the husband’s behaviour wasn’t deemed ‘unreasonable’ enough to grant a divorce petition.

This decision has left a wife trapped in a loveless marriage with the husband and wife’s financial and personal affairs tied.

There are currently five accepted reasons for divorce; adultery, unreasonable behaviour, two years separation if the other party consents to the divorce, two years desertion or five years separation and this does not require the other party’s consent.

No Fault Divorce

The wife, who has been refused the divorce, may have to wait five years before she can divorce her current husband without his consent.

Five years before she can truly move on with her life!

This is a scenario that doesn’t fit with the views of modern day society which is why 2017 has seen various family law lobby groups such as Resolution, increase their campaign for the introduction of ‘No Fault Divorce’ a concept English Law has yet to grasp.

The Sharing Principle is now not applicable to all

The traditional starting point for a court when separating a couples finances is a 50:50 split. The 50:50 split is then altered depending on the needs of each party to the divorce.

However, in a recent Landmark Ruling it seems that double income couples with no children may no longer have to share assets equally when divorcing.

In this case Lord Justice McFarlane ruled that the couple’s marriage had been relatively short and that the usual principle of sharing assets did not apply. In what other circumstances will the ‘usual’ principle not apply?

In a separate case involving a childless couple who were married for only two years the judge made a £4.2 million financial award to the wife based on ‘her’ needs. In this case the husband brought the wealth to the marriage but the judge deemed the settlement figure to be inline with the wife’s needs.

These two cases illustrate that when deciding what Orders to make, the Court has a very wide discretion. They need this freedom because the facts of each divorce and financial settlement case are always different and not always comparable.

Family Law is Forever Changing

Daniel Rushton a divorce solicitor from Stoke on Trent comments, “There is a worrying trend for divorcing couples to avoid divorce solicitors and to opt for a DIY Divorce for fear of expensive legal fees. The DIY Divorce may seem like the cheaper alternative but that isn’t necessarily the case because the DIY option may not result in a full, fair and final divorce and financial settlement. These high profile cases in 2017 clearly demonstrate that the rules and precedents within modern family law are forever changing and are often very complex.”

Daniel continues, “A rule and application of law applied to the circumstances of one divorcing couple may be entirely inappropriate for another couple, even where the circumstances are broadly the same. It’s the detail of the circumstances that need to be considered which is why it is always advisable to seek legal advice from a solicitor that specialises in family law. The decision to use a lawyer could be the difference between financial certainty or, financial ruin!”

ABOUT DANIEL RUSHTON

Daniel has over 20 years’ experience as a specialist family law solicitor. He is Head of the Family Law team at Grindeys Solicitors based in Stoke on Trent.

Daniel has a particular interest and experience in dealing with business owners, company directors and members of the medical profession in matrimonial situations. For this type of work a solicitor who understands your business accounts and business structure is vital to obtain the best financial settlement possible.

Recent cases include one involving an international business and extremely valuable assets and pensions, as well as property abroad.

He has acted for numerous doctors and other medical professionals, council workers, police officers and serving members of the armed services. In twenty-three years, Daniel has dealt with all walks of life and will adopt a professional yet caring approach to your situation.

Email: daniel.rushton@grindeys.com

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Cordell & Cordell

The Legal Landscape and Male Representation: A Q&A with Cordell & Cordell

Published on
Cordell & Cordell
Barbara Johnson-Stern, Partner at Cordell & Cordell

Divorce and family law is an area in which men are consistently faced with stereotypical views, and these all too often affect the outcome of family and divorce disputes.

When it comes to divorce and family law, where do men truly stand?

Is there light at the end of the legal tunnel or are males facing divorce proceedings always going to be tarred with the stereotypical brush that has historically played a role in divorce disputes?

The Divorce Magazine talks to Barbara Johnson-Stern, Partner and Head of Operations at Cordell & Cordell, a legal firm that focuses on the fair, legal representation of men.

We discuss the legal landscape, the obstacles faced by men fighting cases against female spouses and the challenges Barbara encounters on a daily basis.

How are men stereotyped during divorce proceedings in your experience?

In my experience, this varies, but the overarching stereotype I see time and time again is that men are ‘seen’ as not being interested or present in their children’s lives. They are also stereotyped as being more resilient than their spouses.

Finances also come into play here. There is a significant stereotype based on the perception that men’s financial needs are secondary to those of their former spouses, that they won’t be impacted as much as their partner and that they will recover financially without consequences.

There are also many stereotypes about children – especially that the mother ‘should be’ at home and that she does not have to contribute to the family in a financial sense.

How do you feel about these stereotypes?

These stereotypes are apparent and I see them a lot day to day. They are not only outdated, but they also communicate a sense of entitlement that I believe women can have throughout the entire divorce process.

I think that men are so aware that these stereotypes exist that when they come to the table, they lack hope and optimism and feel they are fighting a losing battle.

This should not be the case.

Could you comment on the female mindset when it comes to divorce cases?

Whilst everyone is an individual and this isn’t the case for all the women I have had dealings with, in my experience, women sometimes come with a strong belief that the only factor that will change as a result of a divorce is that their husband will no longer be in their lives.

Factors such as finances, housing, family set-up and support don’t seem to come into consideration. This can make it appear as though the she is entitled to a level of support regardless of the wider circumstances surrounding the divorce.

What obstacles are faced by men fighting cases against female spouses?

There are numerous obstacles faced by men who are battling proceedings with their female spouses. These range from the pressure they place on themselves to the obstacles they create for themselves by struggling to believe that they have a place in their children’s lives, which is absolutely not the case.

Men do tend to come to the table with the stereotypical notions that mothers are more important and better at raising the children.

These are clear and significant challenges which must be overcome and the stereotype around them needs to be quashed if we are to move forwards with family law and legislation surrounding divorce.

What frustrations do you regularly encounter in your position?

My biggest frustration, and one that I encounter regularly, is how we deal with domestic violence within these relationships and the stereotypes men deal with in these situations.

Our biggest failure towards men is how we deal with domestic violence allegations in divorce when, at times, the burden of proof can be so light.

We don’t shed light or challenge women in these situations. I understand the challenges that women face in these situations, but some men are being accused of so much without proof.

Where would you like to see the legal landscape shift to in the next 2–4 years with regards to men in divorce and child custody hearings?

What I would absolutely love to see is there no longer being a sense of shock when men gain custody.

I would also like to see maintenance being determined by the circumstances within the marriage as opposed to being controlled by the stereotype of women automatically being prioritised in the finances.

I strongly feel that a move towards a more appropriate, transitional maintenance award is required and we should accept that there are both females and men at fault. This shouldn’t be an uphill battle.

What direction would you like to see the legal landscape moving towards in the future?

I would like to see more men become divorce lawyers. I think this is hugely important. I haven’t looked at the statistics but I have noticed a lot more women picking family law.

I also feel we are eliminating and eradicating these very significant stereotypes case by case. We are trending in the right direction, so the more things change, the more we’ll find ourselves in a place where we have made real progress.

About Barbara

Barbara Johnson-Stern is Partner at Cordell & Cordell, which focuses on the fair legal representation of men.

Barbara works hard to continually improve the level of service and representation given to her clients and is licensed to practice law in England and the states of Colorado and Utah. 

 

Featured image photo credit: Fabiana Zonca You are my hero!!! via photopin (license)

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How to Make Divorce Easier on Children

Published on
Vanessa Fox
Partner and Head of
Family Law
hlw Keeble Hawson

I have often thought that we should take research into the effects of divorce on children with a pinch of salt and concentrate on common sense, practical measures to reduce the impact.

The latest study to grab headlines has concluded that a quick divorce is worse for children than an acrimonious one and that they are less likely to succeed in life as a result.

In my extensive experience no divorce is easy – emotionally, financially or legally and nobody enters into the process because they think it is. Even amicable separations are hard on children – but if both parents work to safeguard them, there is no reason why they should not grow up to achieve fulfilled lives.

Below are some tips on how estranged couples can make their split easier on their children:

  • If possible, sit down together to tell your children about a separation or divorce. Keep explanations simple and don’t blame each other.

 

  • Always put your children’s welfare, not your own, first and avoid unnecessary squabbles. Strive to remain cordial despite feelings of hurt with your ex.

 

  • Try to reach a quick and easy financial outcome – it is better to collaborate and to compromise than fight over minor issues.

 

  • Strive to be fair and flexible with each other about children issues – avoiding disruption with last minute changes of plan. Routine is always helpful for children but it doesn’t have to be a straitjacket.

 

  • Explain in simple terms how their lives will change, particularly major decisions such as where they will live and how often they will see each parent. Both parents are urged to be flexible over planned routines if children, particularly teenagers, want to alter them.

 

  • Agree some parenting ground rules with your ex and have monthly coffee meetings to discuss how things are going with the children.

 

  • Avoid getting into a blaming situation with your ex – a spirit of cooperation will go a long way.

 

  • Regularly reassure your offspring that you love them – they, in turn, are entitled to continue to love both parents.

 

  • Encourage them to talk about their feelings and give them time to get used to the new situation. Don’t rush them into meeting any new partner.

 

  • Consider family therapy as an option – it works well in many cases.

Ultimately, divorce has been easier to obtain for the last 50 years in the UK. Previously, people were locked into loveless and abusive relationships – however, there is no research available on how this affected children. The number of young people undergoing higher education since the 1970s has also rocketed despite divorce numbers rising more than six fold between 1955 and 1985.

This seems to contradict the claims in the latest study that young adults in the 1970s were far less likely to go to university than those in the 1940s and 50s, when access to divorce was harder.

I strongly urge all separating couples to do everything they can to ensure their split is as non-confrontational as possible. They can work with professional advisers to resolve family disputes constructively and invest in one of the collaborative routes to divorce.

About Vanessa

hlw Keeble Hawson partner, Vanessa Fox, marked 25 years as head of the firm’s family law department in 2016.

Collaboratively trained and a qualified mediator, she has modernised South Yorkshire Resolution since becoming chair in 2013 and is also a member of the Law Society’s Family Law Panel and the Children Panel.

She can be contacted on 0114 290 6232 or at vanessafox@hlwkeeblehawson.co.uk.

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Going through Divorce in Court

Going through Divorce in Court

Published on
Women and Divorce
Wendi Schuller
Author of
The Global Guide to Divorce

Some spouses may want to have a judge decide their fate and choose litigation.

Others may disagree on issues and do not want to negotiate with each other.

Or a judge receiving paperwork may have some questions and concerns, requiring one hearing with the spouses and their solicitors.

There can be one or two hearings with a settlement, or a series, leading up to the expensive final hearing with barristers on their team. Solicitors can send documents to the court without their clients ever having to appear.

The county court is the one that deals with the majority of divorces and separations. Children’s issues must be in the court in the jurisdiction where they live.

The High Court is used in cases of extreme wealth, more complex ones, or when one or both parties are foreign born.  The Magistrate Court handles a case with a criminal charge, such as domestic abuse.  The Crown Court deals with serious cases that require a trial by jury.

In Scotland, the Sheriff’s Court hears divorce and civil cases.

If going to court, your solicitor might get a barrister to represent you. The cases of extreme wealth are heard in the Court of Sessions in Edinburgh. In Northern Ireland, the High Court hears most of the divorce cases. Their Magistrate Court deals with removing an abusive family member from the home.

The judge will get input from Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) when assessing child arrangements.

Cafcass are officers of the court who focus on the children’s wants and needs. They interview the parents, children, and other people in the children’s lives, such as teachers or coaches. Talking to these people gives a picture of parenting interactions and hands on care.

They share the results of their findings with the judge, so he can make an informed decision on shared custody. Post-divorce a parent may return to court for a child’s issue that is not working out well. Cafcass can evaluate if shared time needs to be tweaked and get the child’s input on the arrangement before reporting to the judge

In most cases in the UK, parents decide on shared custody and do not leave it to a judge’s decision. A judge can issue a Residence Order stating with which parent a child will reside, or what percentage of time. Contact Order is the amount of time that the non-resident parent can see their child. A Specific Order is about one particular issue, such as which school that the child will attend.

Divorce Court Hearings

Pre-trial hearing: The judge has already perused the spouses’ information and can guide them to an agreement. He can urge the spouses to come to a settlement.

Both solicitors may want to settle in just one hearing with smaller details, such as who is responsible for paying the mortgage during divorce proceedings.

After Cafcass gives a report to the judge, the solicitors may want the spouses to come to terms on child arrangements in this more informal setting. It is expensive to have a Final Hearing with barristers representing each spouse in court.

If one requires financial support during the divorce, petition the court for an Earlier Interim hearing. Financial information is supplied and an arrangement for temporary maintenance is enacted that will last throughout the divorce proceedings.

The First Directions Appointment (FDA) is approximately two weeks after the paperwork is sent to court.

The spouses go before a judge and their solicitors tell him the issues. He gives directions determining the course to take which will resolve the major problems. The judge shows what the gaps are in the evidence presented and sets the time frame for future hearings.

This quick session outlines the case and gives directives to be accomplished before meeting again. If compromises are made following this hearing, they are sent to the judge and it may not be necessary for another session.

Financial Dispute Resolution Appointment (FDR) is after following the judge’s directives, and is the second appearance. Both sides have given full disclosure with Form E and this is a way to settle financial differences with the judge’s input.

The prime directive is to see if spouses can compromise on this dispute without resorting to a formal hearing.

In this informal session, the judge gives an idea on what the outcome of the case could be based upon the papers submitted to the court. This particular judge is not allowed to preside over the final hearing, so conversations are quite candid and informative. If a resolution is not met, then the case may end up in a full hearing.

Once an agreement is reached, the court can make it legally binding through a Consent Order after the Decree Nisi.

If this agreement is made outside of court, a solicitor can draw up this legal document which finalizes financial matters between you both. You can even do this without a solicitor using the county clerk’s help with information and how to do this order.

Final Hearing   

Before the final hearing, the solicitors agree upon the documents submitted to the judge in what is called a ‘’bundle’’, labelled with the court date.

The petitioner’s solicitor or barrister goes first and summarizes the case for the judge. She then gives evidence stating why the petitioner is asking for what she is. Witnesses are called and the respondent’s barrister cross examines them.

The Respondent’s barrister gives his side of the case and then calls his witnesses. The petitioner’s barrister cross examines these witnesses.

Expensive expert witnesses may be employed by both sides. These include psychologists, doctors, or forensic accountants who charge by the hour. Cafcass may also be presenting the results of interviews.

The judge will be looking at any prenuptial agreements and if they are fair. He will look at the case in its entirety. Closing arguments are given by the barristers. The judge may give a ruling at the end. A solicitor will apply for the Decree Absolute and the divorce ends most likely with great expense.

ABOUT WENDI

Wendi Schuller is a nurse, hypnotherapist and is certified in Neuro-linguistic Programing (NLP).

Her most recent book is The Global Guide to Divorce and she has over 200 published articles.

She is a guest on radio programs in the US and UK. Her website is globalguidetodivorce.com.

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 Children, Divorce and Alienated Grandparents

Published on
Ruth A. S. Nichols, M.A., M.A., CFLE p (Certified Family Life Educator, provisional)

Grandparents play a special role in our lives.

What happens to that relationship in the midst of divorce/separation?

Sometimes, the dynamics become skewed and very complicated. Reshaping the grandchild/grandparent relationship becomes inevitable.

  • Is the role of the grandparent minimized and sometimes eliminated all together?
  • Will the grandchild suffer from the aftermath?
  • Will the grandparents experience grief and heartache because they are no longer viewed as a valuable asset to the child’s life sometimes resulting in alterations to their daily routine?

The answers are an emphatic Yes! Yes! And, Yes!

Divorce and separation have powerful ramifications. Anyone in the path of destruction will feel the impact.

A parent, new or ex boyfriend or girlfriend may become involved, drastically changing communication dynamics and everyday experiences. Or, things may shift because of someone or something else. Regardless of the reason why, the pain of divorce/separation can have far-reaching and long-term effects. On everyone.

Too often, relatives become caught up in the web of confusion that may spin out of control, landing them in the evil vortex of non-existence. This is what happens to many grandparents. They are an integral part of their grand-babies’ lives one day and totally removed the next, with no explanation or notice.

We need to be mindful of the relationship the child has with other family members. When we look at the special bond that exists between a grandchild and grandparent we must expand our gaze and see that the child is not the only one who suffers.

Grandparents’ experience emotional grief too.

Alienated grandparents have become a fast growing group in the arena of divorce. There are now numerous support groups and pages offering advice, emotional support and help.

These confessions portray the feelings of frustration and heartache experienced by too many grandparents.

Note: some responses have been altered and identifying info was deleted to maintain anonymity.

Grandparent alienation - coping with divorce
Divorce and Alienated Grandparents. Coping with divorce for Alienated Grandparents. Grandparent alienation.

Grandparents who have been denied access to their grandchildren experience tremendous heartache.

A grandmother who recently discovered the concept of PAS shared “My grandchildren are my heart beat. I can not imagine my life without them.”

Several days later she was still distraught at what some grandparents must experience because they are unable to love on their babies after a divorce in their family.

The heartache of some grandparents is clearly revealed in their responses in describing the separation from their grandchildren:

A devoted and loving grandmother shares her experience of alienation and the impact this has had on her granddaughters. In two words: “Heart-wrenching!”

Other grandparents share in her sentiment responding with:

“Each day that passes without them I feel that a part of me dies.”

“Missing my youngest granddaughter…..hopefully when she is 18-yrs-old or even sooner she will come looking for us. it is like a piece of my heart is gone…..like a big puzzle piece that has to be fit in to complete my heart…..”

A grandparent describes the intense emotional pain after losing contact with her toddler who lived with them since birth: “I miss him dearly. It feels like my heart has been taken away. I am now waiting to see if mediation will take place and it’s the waiting that is killing me (after waiting several months)”.

Grandparents describing their newly started court battle to see their granddaughters: “This is the worse emptiness I have ever felt in my life.”

An emotional plea after 6 months of alienation from their 12-year-old grandchild (a part of their lie since his birth): “SOMEONE HELP…I’M HURTING.”

A simple yet poignant and sad response: “Heart aching-literally!”

coping with divorce and grandparent alienation
Divorce and Alienated Grandparents. Coping with divorce for Alienated Grandparents. Grandparent alienation.

Of all the emotions grandparents may experience one of the worst might be frustration.

Frustration stems from situations in which there is no control. Grandparents may be working very hard and with the best intentions to no avail. This is clearly demonstrated in their responses:

“Not being able to see or talk to my Grandson….”

 “Not being able to see the grandchildren.”

“Not knowing.”

 

“Having my three grandchildren ripped from my life seven years ago.”

 “Not even being able to see a picture of them!”

“Knowing that they live close by and not seeing them. Knowing their other grandmother lives farther away and sees them almost everyday.”

A grandparent reaches out to make policy changes: “Please, let’s get this changed. I need my grand kids like they need us. Let’s get something done.”

Grandparent alieantion
Divorce and Alienated Grandparents. Coping with divorce for Alienated Grandparents. Grandparent alienation.

As in many cases of parental alienation syndrome there is a consistent theme of bias and unfairness. These grandparents share how this impacts them and their grandchild:

“The injustice of it all 🙁 Having loved and to have been loved in such a special way only to have it all torn away!!”

 “Our grandchildren do not deserve this. It is not their fault.”

 Grandparents fighting to see their young grandson: “We are devastated. We were a huge part of his life. I don’t understand why mothers do this to their children. It’s so unfair to the children. The mother is not putting the child’s best interest first. The mom is angry. The mom does not get along with the dad. Has nothing to do with grandparents! Now she is brain washing him to be afraid of us. We treated her as if she was our daughter. It’s so devastating.”

grandparent alienation and grandparent rights
Divorce and Alienated Grandparents. Coping with divorce for Alienated Grandparents. Grandparent alienation.

In divorce and separation, the holidays can be difficult.

Family dynamics shift. Sharing birthdays and spending time together as a family may be complicated or not even possible. For some grandparents this is an especially emotional time of the year:

“The terrible tragedy is that the grandchildren have been robbed of a relationship with their grandparents. The harm is done and you can’t go back and make up time for the years missed. Everyone suffers. My table on holidays is always missing 1. Grandparents suffer and grandchildren suffer.”

”February 14th is always a special day. For us, it’s both special, and sad. Today is, of course, Valentine’s Day, but it is also our stolen Grandson’s birthday. 8 years ago, he and his sister would not be allowed to be a part of our family any longer. ”

Divorce and Alienated Grandparents. Coping with divorce for Alienated Grandparents. Grandparent alienation.

Grandparents are fearful of being left out. They are concerned and deeply saddened at what is said about them to their grandchildren:

“No communication and knowing they are being told we don’t love them anymore.”

“Having a 20 month old grandson and have never been able to see him. I’ve missed so much already it just breaks my heart.”

“I dread to even being to think what my grandsons have been told.”

“The living hell of wondering if they even know about me. I only saw me oldest twice. , my youngest grandchildren, I have never met”

 “How will my grandchildren learn about being a family if all they see is arguing and fighting and being taken away from the two people who genuinely love them.”

Grandparent alienation
Divorce and Alienated Grandparents. Coping with divorce for Alienated Grandparents. Grandparent alienation.

An arching theme of alienation is that there are no winners. No one comes out ahead. Ultimately, the tragedy of alienation falls on the child.

Grandparents of alienation are put in the unfortunate position of dealing with their own grief and knowing their grandchildren are experiencing tremendous emotional pain:

“We’ve missed a year and a half of growth and connection. I will never let it go.”

 “I miss my grand babies more than anything! It’s so cruel to keep kids from their grandparents!”

 “The damage this is doing to our grandchildren.”

“Knowing my grandchildren are hurting, and being blocked from helping them.”

 “Kids ripped from the home they know is safe and sure with a roof and warm bed. My heart is so…hurt. Tears and anxiety won’t stop.”

Final Thoughts

The devastation and utter despair of these grandparents is undeniable. Grandparents across the globe are experiencing heartache and frustration due to the trickle down effect of divorce and conflict among parents in the midst of separation:

Referring to grandparents who keep their grandchild from the now ex-in-law parent: “Grandparent alienation is not natural or healthy no matter which generation is the perpetrator.” 

“New at taking legal action to see their grandchildren “but all I want to do is see their happy faces. I have never hated someone so much in my life.” 

“Grandparent alienators need to love their child more than they hate their parents.”

“The most heart wrenching thing to witness is a grandchild being torn in half! But they will grow up, and that parent will reap what they sow.”

“Grandparent alienators are serial killers of the soul.”

“The pain—Never completely goes away.”

Do you have words you would like to share describing the impact divorce has had on you or your family? Share your confession at: MyConfession@SharedParentingConfessional.com

ABOUT RUTH

Ruth is a Certified Family Life Educator and advocate for SharedParenting.  She works in the arena of Shared Parenting focusing on the parent/child relationship in the divorce process.

Ruth actively participates in establishing equal parenting in custody and divorce. She has authored several articles on divorce, Family Court and Shared Parenting and is a contributor at the Huffington Post. She manages 3 sites directed toward the shared parenting arena and created a survey evaluating parents’ experience in Family Court.

LIKE on: Facebook.com/SharedParentingConfessional

Research and information offered to enhance the parent-child relationship.    SharedParentingInfo.com

 

 

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Full Disclosure Principle in Divorce

The Full Disclosure Principle in Divorce – Don’t Try to Hide from it

Published on
Vanessa Fox
Partner and Head of
Family Law
hlw Keeble Hawson

There have been a number of recent high profile cases where an ex-partner in a divorce has hidden money or assets to avoid them being included in the joint assets that will be divided by the court or an arbitrator.

Among these was an Australian couple’s dispute about the whereabouts of $160,000 fortune hidden in a shoebox.

It is surprisingly common for people to attempt to do this and I have worked on many cases where it has happened – including when a client’s ex squirreled away stacks of £10 notes. In fact, almost every family dispute I have handled has involved an alleged non-disclosure.

Reasons for hiding or undervaluing assets include a wish to save money, a desire for revenge or a belief that the asset or the person’s wealth is too trivial for scrutiny.

However, before the court can reach a financial settlement on separation, both parties have a legal obligation to provide full and frank disclosure of all their assets (including pensions), income and liabilities. Unless and until this has been done, a financial order cannot be made, even if both parties are happy for it to go ahead.

The court does not take into account who is ‘at fault’, meaning that the ‘wronged’ party has no excuse for not making an honest declaration. Nor is it justified for the poorer partner to fail to disclose. That person may feel aggrieved at having to list a tiny savings account or income from a part time job, when the other person is far better off – but the court’s intention is to assess a couple’s joint worth and how this can be divided fairly to meet the reasonable needs of both parties.

Declaring everything that you own does not mean you will receive a reduced settlement – however, failing to disclose an asset can produce that result.

If one party fails to fully disclose, it can lead to a more extended, costly dispute. The person who has not disclosed can in extreme cases be ordered to pay the other side’s legal costs and it is usually the case that that person will receive a far less favourable settlement – with more allocated to their ex on top of what would have been awarded in the first place.

There is nearly also extra expense in relation to applications for court orders for further disclosure or the hiring of a forensic accountant to track down hidden funds, the cost of which is sometimes ordered to be paid by the “non-disclosing” party.

In any event, legal costs always are paid out of the pooled assets that the court would prefer to be spent on the households of the separating couple and their children. One partner’s dishonest disclosure can severely reduce the funds available to do this, which could diminish everybody’s standard of living and affect a parent’s long term relationship with their offspring.

There are often no winners from somebody’s refusal to fully declare, but there can be many losers. Honesty is always the best policy – no matter what misgivings or lingering bitterness one party has for their ex.

About Vanessa

hlw Keeble Hawson partner, Vanessa Fox, marked 25 years as head of the firm’s family law department in 2016.

Collaboratively trained and a qualified mediator, she has modernised South Yorkshire Resolution since becoming chair in 2013 and is also a member of the Law Society’s Family Law Panel and the Children Panel.

She can be contacted on 0114 290 6232 or at vanessafox@hlwkeeblehawson.co.uk.

 

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Finding a Good Divorce Lawyer

Why Finding a Good Divorce Lawyer is Vital when Going through Divorce or Separation

Published on
James Brown
James Brown
Host of
Divorce The Talk Show

Is it possible to have good qualities in a divorce? 

The Answer is yes you can.  You know how you feel when your doing things right and you get that great sensation that envelops your body your mind and your soul, sounds like great sex,.. oops.   We’re not going down that road. 

We understand that divorce ranks right up their next to death in the list of things that impact you, well the stress of divorce is an experience you really don’t want to have, deal with or face.  

You know it’s easy to say,  “I want a divorce”,  but finding the right solution or making the right decision that merits fairness and equality as a result of your decision, that reality is indeed a bitter dose of, “I didn’t know it took all of this,” when you come face to face with divorce and say  “I’m gonna get me a lawyer” that’s when the stuff starts to fly, the chickens are out of the coop.

I, like many of you, discovered that divorce is a transition that never stops.  You are constantly in the adaptation mode every day, in every way.  Sounds like a  song, “Oh baby I keep going down this road never knowing when to make a turn, every day, in every way”.

The system seems to dictate that we find an attorney and I don’t know if that’s because we  all foster resentment toward our spouses when divorce is at our door steps and the idea of divorce clutches our every existence.

We seem to think that the legal system offers a resolution to our marital problems and getting an attorney will finally bring a peaceful state of mind.  Let me assure you getting an attorney is much like the game pick up the sticks, you know when you use one stick to remove another stick without moving the stick nestled below the stick your trying to pick up, now that was a mouth full well that’s divorce and that’s what getting a lawyer means.  

We often think that a  divorce attorney will articulate and or eradicate the perceived or ill perceived consequence of divorce, not necessarily true.  Nothing prepares us for the staggering indignation of emotional baggage and turmoil… nothing.

But we can learn to lessen that pronounced severity by thinking quality, which is something we try to attain throughout our lives; a good quality of life, this is a proven fact to help and situate our actions for better results.

The person you enlist to help you through your adventure  in the Divorce Horror Land, I use the word adventure, because  it’s a trip through the divorce maze, which is much like dating and I don’t mean to insinuate that dating is a horror but in today’s climate it can be, that’s another story.

But think of  divorce like this you’re constantly meeting new people telling them all about yourself and maybe it just doesn’t work out so you do it again and again and this goes on for several months and sometimes years.

I’m just saying that finding the perfect attorney the right attorney, counsellor, mediator, therapist will make the divorce process a lot more (less) challenging than the divorce it’s self. 

What I am preparing you for, and that’s really what it’s all about preparing you, you’ve got to remember that getting and going through divorce is a process and finding the right piece to the process will take time but will make it all a lot easier on you and your family.  It’s not as easy as 1,2,3 set me free,  1,2,3 help me to see. Just think positive when making decisions. 

When looking to hire an attorney or other such experts or specialist to represent or consult you in your divorce, you should look for the following qualities and also nurture them within your self:

Ability to Communicate

Good communication with your divorce specialist is so very important. Don’t let anger or the, I’m-going-to get-even syndrome make your decisions.  Effective communication of your concerns and expectations is paramount, your representative will need to clearly explain things to you regarding issues of your case and provide you with the best expectations.

It’s significant to your results that your attorney communicate with you, your spouse and your spouse’s attorney.  Many issues will factor in establishing this process which will help in keeping the costs maintainable. There are other things you need your money for especially if you have children growing up, food, clothes, bills, bills bills and other deals.  

You must resist combative situations.  Resolution of the issues are important before you consider the legal system, but as you consider the legal system you must consider all aspects, I can’t stress, get rid of the stress.  Important to your resolve, is the ability to communicate with all parties in establishing a cooperative relationship.  It is important that you begin the thought process of what, happens when I am divorced, what will I do then?

What about court, in many cases court is a reality what’s important  is that your representative be able to communicate your position and litigate appropriately and sometimes it can elevate costly court cost.

Skill and Experience

A good attorney can make the difference, if your a good client, because your divorce can and will touch upon sensitive aspects that will have ramification for your family, finances, retirement, career, etc.

So cover your bases be prepared make sure your team is prepared, preparation makes it work. Know that the people you select to represent you are authentic and professional make sure they are who they say they are.

Divorce is a process of blame and mis-treatment emotionally and sometimes physically this transfers into confrontational discussions which aren’t good.

Availability

There is something about hiring someone to do a job.  You expect them to be at your beck and call.  Well being a client of an attorney means that you are one of many so get that into your brain.  Also every time you call think of a cash register.  His or her time costs and you pay.

I call it pay to play divorce.   When considering an attorney, look for someone who can be ready when you need them.  You need  someone who can respond to your inquiries in a timely manner.  You want an attorney who will not put your case on the bottom of his/her client stack.

Know going in, that you have selected an attorney who has other clients; I must reiterate, “so don’t waste time, time is money”.  Take advantage of his/her availability by being prepared.

Healthy Attitude

It is important that you have a healthy attitude.  This will assure your attorney that you have the ability to maintain your composure which means just staying calm and maintaining focus.  Many times this will give you the edge during and after divorce. Much of what we think about in divorce, is repetitious.  Divorce creates an assurance of things you can’t anticipate.

Resources/Support

Divorce is not a one thing fixes all.  It’s a smorgasbord of family issues and things that unwind the cord that binds the family together. 

Their are so many parts and getting it right isn’t  simply a document in your hand and you walk away happy ever after.  It comes down to mastering all of the resources you need to keep your family whole and re-gain your balance as a family thus there are many facets to the process of expunging the ills that caused your divorce.  

These symptoms are recognizable if you identify resources that can help you understand your issues.

A good  attorney will have resources, it’s important that you recognize your attorney’s resources and have your own to help prepare your case in a timely manner.

I’m James Brown and this is Divorce The Talk Show, until next time Cope, Hope, and Heal.

ABOUT JAMES

James, grew up in San Francisco, and has lived in Salt Lake City, for over 25 plus, and is a second time divorcee with 4 children. 

With his diverse background in television, both in front and behind the camera, Mr. Brown is the driving force behind the highly innovative production of Divorce The Talk Show; A New Beginning, a multi-platform production which is led by new media engagement using digital, mobile as well as the legacy media (television) platform to reach a growing number of people who have gone through a radical change in life via divorce.

Mr. Brown has a background that makes him unique and perfect to support effort to make change in divorce. He has been at the center of development in corporate recruiting programs including Discover Card which focused on youth and minorities; developed diverse training seminars for corporations; created programs that provided scholarships for deserving, disadvan­taged students as well as building one of the finest film and television production studios (Salt Lake Studios) in the western U.S.A.

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Deal

Dealing with Infidelity…or how not to

Published on
Charis Rooks
Charis Rooks
Author and Speaker

One of the hardest things to do when you feel as if you have been victimized is be wise in what you say.

When your divorce is a result of an affair this is one of the areas that you see the tongue moving a lot.

I personally found myself so upset after my second divorce that I contacted his family, friends, even his mistress.

I was so hurt I had to make sure I would hurt him and humiliate him as he humiliated me. I wanted to seem as if I was better off without him, and how terrible he was. Opening my mouth in such a way ruined many things for me.

I was so angry and spiteful it spilled over into every other relationship I had and I didn’t even realize it.

Relationships I had as a mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, co-worker, etc…. In thinking that I would feel better, I actually felt worse, obsessive, and I made it so uncomfortable for those around me.

I spoke ruin over all areas and aspects of my life.

Understand that the feeling of validation for trying to get back at the person who hurt you is temporary. It’s the same as putting a band aid over a gash in your leg that needs stitches.

You can keep band aids on it, however over time it will continue to bleed, become infected and you could lose that leg if not treated properly. Stop feeding the negativity in your life by trying to humiliate your ex.

Trust me it’s not worth the pain you are causing yourself in the long run.

ABOUT CHARIS

After her second divorce, Charis decided that it was time to do something not only for herself but also for other women going through similar struggles.

As a survivor of divorce, Charis knows all about the lies and confusion that come with divorce. Though divorce does eventually end, the emotional scars and stress that come with a difficult divorce do not.

Charis is passionate about speaking the truth to women who are caught in the endless cycle of struggle after divorce and she encourages them to share their stories to help provide not only counseling for themselves but also support for others.

Charis does not limit her time to Draw for Women but also reaches out in other ways.

She is an accomplished and published author, having penned God Rarest Diamonds: A Proverbs Life after Divorce Devotional for women and Coming Soon- The 30 Day Life after Divorce Prayer Challenge for Women, which provides encouragement, support, and spiritual enlightenment to those who are struggling, helping readers bring peace to their life journeys. In addition to Draw for Women and writing,

Charis has a personal life that is as full as her professional life.

Charis is married to a wonderful man and is the mother of two talented and beautiful daughters.

Charis earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Technical Management with a concentration in Small Business and Entrepreneurship- Magna Cum Laude in Spring of 2016 and is currently pursuing her MBA.

When she is not working or studying, Charis loves to read, write, and travel. Charis is a dedicated individual who wants nothing more than to share her ideas, experiences, and knowledge to help other women who are struggling with divorce to become comfortable with themselves and with the state of their lives again. 

Facebook: http://facebook.com/draw4women

Twitter: Charis Rooks @draw4women

Instagram: Draw4Women

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