It is a sad reflection of the impact that the uncertain economy is having that we are seeing a steady up-tick in the amount of work that is coming for advice following the breakdown of a marriage.
Quite apart from the pressure relationships are under in the current climate, people are worrying that if they were to issue divorce proceedings, the perceived uncertainty surrounding the financial consequences of the breakdown of a marriage is even more stressful.
Questions about whether or not the house will sell, what will be in the coming Budget, and what the future holds for employment and the jobs market make tendering advice an even more inexact science than usual. We continue, however, in the words of Martin Iler to ‘bargain in the shadow of the law’ and use the reference points of fairness, equality and proportionality to foster agreement between the parties.
Above all, clients, the courts and legal professionals strive for certainty above all in the outcomes we reach. At the moment, the property market is buoyant: ‘in the same way the Titanic started out as buoyant’ as an estate agent I know commented dryly. Many people are still in work but with no idea what the future might hold.
What is clear, however unprecedented the times we find ourselves in, the courts will continue to look at the needs of the parties and the assets of the marriage and ,as they always have done, try to marry one with the other. Family lawyers will do the same, as we have through the 2008 crash and all that held and whatever the future might bring.
Do give us a call on 01484 810210 to discuss your options and we will do our best to help.
By James Skinner