Even Rock Stars are Affected by Divorce

The rock band Oasis surprised us all when they announced a world tour last year. Given the rocky relationship between the Gallagher brothers, people soon started wondering what had prompted this sudden turn around.

People have speculated that the reason for this reconciliation is that the Gallagher brothers have both suffered relationship breakdowns and need to replenish their resources after bruising financial settlements. It has been said that nothing gets a band back together like a divorce!

Divorce and separation will affect our finances whatever our financial circumstances. Whether you are a household name or not, there are things you can do to lessen the impact of a separation.

Obtaining advice

It is important to take legal advice at an early stage after you separate from your partner. Despite what some people think, a good family lawyer will not try to turn an amicable split into an acrimonious one. Being well informed of your rights, responsibilities and the likely outcomes gives you the best information to help keep things from turning sour.

It is best to take advice before entering into negotiations with your ex-partner. You may find you agree something that you’re happy with at the time, but if circumstances change, you might not feel as happy later. A lawyer will help you consider the implications of different scenarios and may also suggest options you haven’t thought of, for example trying to resolve your difficulties via mediation.

Pre-nuptial agreements

Pre-nuptial agreements are growing in popularity. Although such documents are not legally binding in England & Wales, judges are increasingly giving weight to them when having to make financial orders. Therefore, it is worth entering into a pre-nuptial agreement in order to set out the arrangements for dividing the marital finances in the event of separation.

Mediation

In almost all cases, the court expects participants to explore what family mediation services can offer as an alternative to a court-imposed outcome. Since April 2024, the courts have taken a more stringent view of this, and so parties are expected to have attempted to resolve their difficulties in mediation before resorting to court.

Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process whereby parties meet with a mediator, or mediators, to set their own agenda and to explore solutions to their problems. Legal proceedings, if they have been started, will be put on hold for the duration.

Resolution Together

Resolution is an organisation which represents family lawyers and which campaigns for changes to the way in which the court deals with family cases.

Resolution Together is a new scheme set up by Resolution where a separated couple can work together with one lawyer in order to settle financial and children matters following the breakdown of their relationship. This contrasts with the traditional adversarial approach where both parties are separately represented.

Clean break order

A clean break order ensures that neither party can make a financial claim against the other. Only 40% of divorcing couples obtain such an order. This leaves them at risk of a claim being made for a share of their assets, including pensions.

Conclusion

The Gallagher brothers’ loss is our gain, but even so, if you find yourself in a similar position to them, by taking the above steps you will avoid the pitfalls which befell them.

If you or a loved one are going through a divorce or separation and require help or guidance, please contact our family team here at Redkite Solicitors.

Our friendly team of experts in our family department are here to help and support you at every step of the way.

This article was written by Redkite Solicitors, Madeleine Rand. To find out more about Madeleine and the support that she can provide to you, visit her website profile here: Madeline Rand – Redkite Solicitors [8d3a-bdcf-762-027a]