Options for dealing with Relationship Break Up

There’s a lot of things to think about when a relationship or a marriage comes to an end, and whilst one of your first thoughts may be to seek legal advice, you probably give little thought to the process you are about to embark upon to resolve your differences with your ex.


Now at this point it might be sensible to think carefully as to how you want to deal with the break up of your marriage as there are a number of options open to you. Choosing the right option can have a huge effect both, not only emotionally and financially but also upon how quickly you can resolve your problems and move on with your life.


It is generally not necessary to end up in a formal and expensive court hearing where you each give evidence. Indeed most cases are sensitively dealt with by solicitors who reach agreements through careful negotiations.

There are however alternatives to the court process, in the form of both collaborative law and mediation, both processes seek to avoid lengthy and expensive litigation and rely upon both of you agreeing to talk about how you will sort out the financial situation or the arrangements for the children.

In the collaborative process you both agree not to issue court proceedings and with the help of your solicitors negotiate a settlement through a series of meetings.

Mediation allows you and your ex to reach a fair settlement with the help of a third, neutral party called a mediator. The mediator’s role is to help you and your ex communicate and reach agreement. Mediation is confidential, and it allows you and your ex to make the decisions. It is less expensive than filing a lawsuit. You can reach a positive agreement that is more customised than the one you might receive from a judge.