First Steps To Take After Separation: What Do I Do Now And Who Do I Need To Speak To?
Divorce can seem incredibly overwhelming, daunting and, at times, lonely. It is widely considered the second most stressful life event. If you have not been through the process before it can be difficult to know where to start. Support during this time is crucial and taking the right steps early on can help protect your interests, ensure a smoother transition and set the foundation for the future. Here are the first few steps you should take.
1. Prioritise your emotional wellbeing:
Seek support from friends and family – you may need to lean on them during this time for emotional support but be wary about taking advice from friends and family.
Speak with a therapist or counsellor – in addition to, or as an alternative to friends and family you may benefit from professional support to help you manage the emotional side of a separation. If you have children they may also benefit from a child psychologist or counsellor during the transition.
Join a support group – your therapist or counsellor may have connections in your local area or you may find one on social media.
2. Seek advice early:
Legal – once you feel ready to take the next step you can contact a solicitor (or lawyer, whichever term you want to use – we don’t mind which). A solicitor will guide you through the divorce or they can simply give you advice at the outset so that you can try to do it yourself (and provide help as and when you need it). Early advice is essential even if your separation is amicable to understand your rights, responsibilities and the various options. You will be advised about the different routes you can take such as mediation, arbitration, lawyer negotiations or the DIY route and can put you in touch with recommended mediators. Divorce may have an impact on your immigration status and so you should speak with an immigration lawyer before issuing a divorce application to assess whether it will affect your visa. You can speak to your lawyer about the practical next steps to take in terms of living arrangements, contact arrangements for any children and interim financial assistance.
Financial – it would be beneficial to speak with a financial advisor or accountant, especially if you have a business or complicated assets. Your accountant may be able to help with valuations and tax calculations and a financial advisor can help with mortgage capacities, budgets and to assess your finances post-divorce.
Support – you may find the pressure of the divorce process too stressful, emotional or painful. A divorce coach can provide emotional support and empowerment, practical advice on the divorce process including help with some of the forms (although they do not provide legal advice) and can be by your side from start to finish. Some people benefit from guidance early on when the separation is very raw but others wait until they have started the divorce, obtained legal advice and then seek help from a coach alongside a divorce lawyer.
Separation is a challenging time but taking proactive steps can make the transition smoother. Seeking professional advice and support from trusted individuals will help you navigate this new phase of life with confidence. If you are unsure about your next steps, speaking with a family lawyer is often a good starting point and our divorce lawyers can guide you through legal, financial and practical considerations tailored to your situation. Contact our solicitors on 0330 822 3451 or request a call back.