Why co-operation is paramount in the divorce process
Divorce is often a testing – and occasionally hostile – process, particularly if one party feels betrayed or let down by the other.
Contending with your own feelings or dealing with an emotionally hurt spouse can make a difficult situation harder still.
But while sensitivities may be running high, co-operating and negotiating an agreement fair to both individuals is of paramount importance. Not only will a swift conclusion to proceedings make life easier for you both, there is also a significant financial benefit.
The emotional implications aside, fighting it out in court is an expensive, drawn out remedy – one which Gotelee’s knowledgeable family law team can work with you to avoid.
Case study: Divorcee hit in pocket for ‘abysmal behaviour’
A recent case, involving a couple who had been married for 20 years and had assets of £1.5 million, highlights the financial implications when one party fails to co-operate in divorce proceedings.
What should have been a straightforward case was derailed by the husband’s extreme misconduct, which included a deluge of abusive and threatening emails against judges, his wife and her legal representatives.
The husband had been committed to prison for contempt after threatening to kill his wife and had been convicted by magistrates of assaulting her barrister. However, he skipped the sentencing hearing and fled abroad before continuing his email campaign. A warrant for his arrest was issued but that did not stop him from entering into a number of transactions which were designed to defeat his wife’s financial claims.
After finding that the husband had undisclosed assets of about £500,000, the High Court ordered the transfer of assets worth a total of £733,518 to the wife – around 49.5 per cent of the total marital assets. In response to his appalling behaviour, the husband was also ordered to pay £146,609 in legal costs.
The solution:
Gotelee’s lawyers, based in Ipswich, Hadleigh and Felixstowe, have years of experience and will ensure you receive appropriate guidance and practical support, including advice on how to get divorced, and the timescale, cost and implications for financial arrangements.
We are conscious of the fact that you may be concerned about the cost of legal advice, so we offer a fixed fee first appointment to hear about your situation and give you advice on solutions.
To make an appointment, call 01473 211121 or email [email protected]
