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Family Law FAQs

Posted on April 17th 2020

In spite of current circumstances, our Family Team at Oliver & Co are still busy progressing their clients’ cases. We have set a list of frequently asked questions below, regarding Family Law matters, that may be crossing your mind at the moment:

I am in lockdown with my spouse, but our marriage has been breaking down and I am thinking of divorce. Am I able to do something about it now, or do I have to wait until we are living apart?

Yes, you can do something about it now and no you do not need to wait until you are living apart.

Many couples will live at the same property while going through divorce proceedings. The Court recognises that a couple can be separated and still living under one roof.

Furthermore, the Courts are still operating and receiving divorce petitions throughout the lockdown.

I am currently going through a divorce. Do my finances need to wait, or can I resolve them now?

Solicitors, mediators and Courts are all still operating and dealing with cases remotely and so there is no reason why you cannot start, or continue to progress, with your finances on divorce.

As solicitors, we are able to negotiate via telephone and email with your spouse, or the solicitor acting on their behalf.

If you require the help of a mediator, they are often able to offer appointments over telephone and Skype.

If your matter requires an application to Court, Hearings are still going ahead while we are in lockdown and being conducted remotely via Skype, telephone and email.

I am living with my partner. Can we still draw up a Cohabitation Agreement?

Yes. Solicitors are still working and able to take instructions.  The first step would be to arrange a telephone appointment to discuss this.

I own a property with my ex-partner and we are disagreeing over what to do with it now that we have broken up. Can you help?

Solicitors are still able to assist unmarried couples with negotiations regarding their property during lockdown and can make applications to Court, where necessary, to resolve disputes.

Estate Agents are still operating and can provide assistance, although they may be more limited by the current social distancing rules.

Can the prior agreement reached regarding child arrangements continue now?

Yes, the Government have confirmed that children can still move between households in accordance with previous arrangements and the current social restrictions should not interfere with this.

I have a problem relating to arrangements for my children, what should I do? 

Solicitors and mediators are still operating via telephone, Skype etc. and can assist you with disputes. If an agreement cannot be reached, an application can be made to court and any Hearing during lockdown would take place remotely.  Progress can still be made.

We want to reassure you that, even in the current climate, if you have a Family Law issue, our team of specialist Family solicitors at Oliver & Co are ready to assist you.

Although our office doors are closed, we are still operating very much as business as usual. We offer a free 10 minute telephone call to anyone with a Family Law query and can also offer a fixed-fee initial appointment for 45 minutes, with no obligation.  If you have a Family enquiry, please contact us on 01244 312306 or email law@oliverandco.co.uk to book an appointment.

Call and speak to a member of our team on 01244 312306