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Making arrangements for child maintenance

Child maintenance is the money a parent pays towards their child’s upbringing. All parents have a responsibility to support their child [...]

The changing face of the modern family

It’s International Day of Families, so I’m sharing my thoughts on how the family unit has changed in modern society. For most, we can’t control the shape or makeup of our family, particularly after a separation.

How does rising inflation impact divorce and child maintenance

The government recently announced the Spring Budget, with a focus on halving inflation, growing the economy and decreasing public debt. In this blog, we'll look at what the budget and rise in inflation might mean for your separation and the impact on maintenance payments and how to calculate the impact on child maintenance payments

Changes to the rules around CGT and the impact on separating couples

The government has announced changes to the rules around Capital Gains Tax (CGT) in the Spring Finance Bill 2023. In this blog, we'll look at how these changes impact divorcing and separating couples.

Financial abuse and separation or divorce

There are more and more conversations taking place around financial abuse, and each year we see greater changes in this area. Slowly, but surely. But do people truly understand the life-changing impact financial abuse has on individuals who experience it? Financial abuse is a form of domestic abuse, whereby the abuser restricts, exploits or sabotages their partner’s financial resources. [](http://)Now, let’s be clear here. When I say partner, this can mean current partner, ex-partner, family member or friend. Quite frankly, financial abuse can take place in any relationship, at any time.

Single Parents’ Day 2023

Single Parents Day is a day to recognize and appreciate the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices made by single parents. The day is celebrated annually on March 21st, and it provides an opportunity to acknowledge the challenges that single parents face and to show them that they are valued and appreciated. It is a time to celebrate the strength and resilience of single parents and to offer them support and encouragement in their important role as caregivers.

Why should you budget for your divorce process?

We know that getting divorced is not an easy or cheap process for most. It's an emotional journey with legal and financial consequences. Usually, you're dividing two households in two and having to rehouse yourselves elsewhere, which is an expensive process in itself. We have lots of tips on this in our podcast episode with HyperJar. So if you're looking to save money, choosing the cheapest divorce process is tempting. Below, we look at reasons and situations why you might choose to spend more on professional help for your divorce.

How to talk to your partner about an amicable separation when you’re the initiator

In this blog, we look at tips for keeping things amicable when you’re the initiator of the separation and want to discuss how to start your divorce and move things forward. We’ll detail tips for helping your partner understand the amicable options available to them without feeling pushed into a corner.

10 Tips for dating after divorce or separation

If you've recently separated from your partner, Valentine’s Day can be particularly unhelpful as the world is bombarded with romantic comedies, flowers and couples celebrating. Valentine’s Day can feel overwhelming, bringing into sharp contrast feelings of loss. If this is you, we’ve already written a blog to help you reframe how you feel about the day with our tips and advice which...

What to do when you become a stepparent

“The majority of stepparents, myself included, will tell you that they thought it would be so much easier to be a stepparent than it actually was.” We enter into the role naively thinking ‘how hard can it be?’. We love our partners and think the rest will follow. Sadly the reality is that it isn’t easy and we start doubting our ability to cope with the challenges of stepparenting. So how can you avoid the pitfalls and build a happy blended family together? Here are a few things that you should consider when you meet a new partner and one, or both of you, already have children.

amicable’s guide to navigating gov.uk as you divorce

Since the introduction of ‘no-fault divorce’ more people than ever are starting their divorce on the government website. It’s simple to kick off a divorce yourself but when it comes to sorting out your money and property things can quickly become baffling, especially as the instructions and the language on gov.uk are unclear, complicated and confusing.

How a mortgage in your 60s can help you move on post-divorce

We're [LiveMore](https://livemorecapital.com/), a specialist mortgage lender for people aged 50 to 90+ and we talk to Audrey about her experience of divorce and how gettting a mortgage in her 60s helped her to move on and rebuild

Co-parenting at Christmas tips 2023

The Pause Button retrains our brain not to interrupt during a conversation. It encourages us to very deliberately pause for a few seconds and take a breath instead of cutting short our co-parent’s thoughts. We can find pausing difficult because we may not want to consider the needs of our co-parent. They might be inconvenient for us, but pausing allows us to fully focus on who we’re talking to and what they’re saying.

Applied for your conditional order? Here’s what to do next

If you or your ex have applied to end your ‘legal marriage’ with a no-fault divorce on the government website, you’ll be emailed to say you can apply for your Conditional Order 20 weeks after the application was made and the divorce issued (the ‘reflection’ period). Once you’ve applied for the conditional order and the court has granted it, you can ask a judge to end your ‘financial marriage’ by approving arrangements you have made about splitting money and property. This is known as having a financial order, also called a consent order, if you both agree to the document.

How will the government's Autumn Statement 2022 impact separating couples?

Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement 2022 set out a raft of policies aimed at both stabilising the economy and dealing with inflation and the cost of living crisis. If you are divorcing or separating, the statement presents new challenges for you and your family, at a tough time when you are already dealing with the emotional and financial trauma of the break-up of your marriage.

What is a 'kitchen table agreement'?

If you decide to separate or divorce, you will need to agree on how you divide your finances. This means any money, property, debt, or pensions. There are lots of ways you can reach an agreement on how to separate your finances, and some options are cheaper than others.

How can divorce impact children?

We’re bombarded with headlines about how bad divorce is for children. In reality, it’s ‘bad’ separations that can have a negative impact on children, due to two main culprits - parental absence and conflict. It’s not always possible to control these, however, if you’re able to, then this will help your children to cope with your separation. I n this blog, I’ll explore why parental absence and conflict are so damaging for children and the benefits of both parents continuing to see their children post-separation.

We’re proud to announce our partnership with Gingerbread

Today we announce our partnership with Gingerbread, the UK’s largest national single parents charity. Gingerbread has supported and championed single parents since 1918. Originally called the National Council for the Unmarried Mother and her Child, they’ve worked for over 100 years to make sure that single parents are not forgotten. They’ve changed laws, influenced government and challenged stigma and stereotypes. Their expert advice and information help tens of thousands of single parents every year. Through their policy work, they ensure that their members’ concerns and experiences are taken to the heart of Westminster and their in-person and online communities can be found across England and Wales, providing support to thousands of single parents and their children

Parenting apart resources for LGBTQ+ parents and children

Our team of Divorce Specialists are experienced in working with all forms of diverse families in our co-parenting services and more widely in our divorce and separation services. It’s important for any child to have their identity celebrated in every way. For LGBTQ+ children or children with LGBTQ+ parents, there is an ever-growing pool of resources ranging from TV Series to books, blogs and podcasts. We have put together a small list of useful resources to get you started.

Brandon Lewis is appointed as Secretary of State for Justice

We welcome the appointment of Brandon Lewis as Secretary of State for Justice and look forward to working together to continue to reduce the strain on divorcing and separating couples.

Finding your feet as a single parent with Zoë Desmond from Frolo

Advice from Frolo Founder, Zoë Desmond. When my son, Billy, turned one, my relationship with his dad broke down. It was a really tough time and I was taken aback by how lonely and isolated I felt. Weekends were hardest when the loneliness of being a single parent was compounded by seeing happy families in the playground, and feeling that I’d let myself and my son down.

5 Tips to help you when searching for a new home after divorce or separation

Going through a separation presents a unique set of challenges that very few of us are prepared for. Not only you are facing the re-organisation of your life (and your family’s), but you also must go through the legal and emotional process of the divorce (challenging for most) as well as thinking about your next home and where you will be living.

What is a ‘clean break’ following divorce?

When you get married, you become financially tied to your partner. If you divorce your partner, it might surprise you to learn that this doesn’t automatically end your financial relationship with them. A ‘clean break’ usually refers to a type of order that the court can make following a divorce, to sever any financial ties between you both. In this blog, we’ll explain why you might want to consider a clean break, and how you can go about getting one.

What is a final order in England & Wales?

The ‘final order’ confirms that you are legally divorced (for married couples) or that your civil partnership has been dissolved (for civil partners) under English and Welsh law. This is the last stage of the legal process of divorce which takes a minium of seven months.

The rise of couples services in a post 'no-fault' divorce world

The introduction of no-fault divorce in England and Wales in April 2022 is changing how couples approach separation. The perverse necessity to play the blame game is gone. As a result, there has been a striking increase in couples seeking more amicable ways to settle their divorce arrangements. Many separating couples are now turning to services that can help them both together and which are not provided by lawyers at all.

How to forgive during a divorce or separation

In this blog, we explore forgiveness. What it is, the pros and cons of forgiveness and why you might choose to forgive your partner during a divorce or separation. There are lots of reasons why a couple might choose to separate. Whilst it’s common for people to simply grow apart and the separation is mutual, there are occasions where it might be caused by one person’s actions. For example, if they have cheated on their partner.

Sharing a pet after a break-up with comedian Rosie Wilby

Sharing a pet, or ‘co-petting’ as we call it amicable, is a relatively new phenomenon. However, it’s something we are passionate about helping couples to navigate. It’s not for everyone, and of course, there are some occasions when one pet owner might be better placed to have sole care after separation than the other. You can informally decide how you plan on ‘co-petting’ or what happens to your pet after the separation between yourselves. Or we have a ‘co-petting agreement service’ which helps you to document your pet arrangements post-separation or divorce. We’ve written this blog with the help and guidance of comedian, Rosie Wilby

What is a Divorce Specialist?

A Divorce Specialist refers to a professional who can assist you with the legal process of divorce. They can sometimes also help you navigate the emotional process too. At amicable, our experts are Divorce Specialists. They have a variety of backgrounds, primarily in law, although some also have backgrounds in psychology and counselling, as we can help with both the legal and the emotional process of divorce and separation, as well as parenting post-separation.

Rupert and Jerry – an amicable divorce?

It is being reported that Rupert Murdoch and Jerry Hall are to divorce. Neither are strangers to the process. We believe that divorce doesn’t have to be conducted from heavily lawyered silos, even for the super-rich, who just like the rest of us will not want to see their wealth being syphoned off by hungry lawyers.

amicable’s checklist for the 20-week reflection period

No-fault divorce was introduced in England and Wales on the 6th of April 2022. This represents the end of the ‘blame game’, meaning you no longer need to blame each other in the legal paperwork. There are several changes to the system which includes the introduction of the 20-week 'reflection period'.

Five things you didn’t know about co-parenting and one that you probably do

Let’s start with the one you probably do. Co-parenting might be the best thing you ever do for your children post-divorce. But it will also be the hardest. You may get used to it, but it probably won’t feel particularly easy. Time can be a great healer, and whilst you may be able to be around your ex and have a conversation with them, saying goodbye to your child won’t ever be a nice thing to do. Yes, you can have time on your own and do all the things you have on your bucket list (money dependent), but most likely, like the majority of parents, you didn’t sign up to have children part-time. Seeing them going off to their other parent hurts.

What does a Divorce Coach do and how can they help with your divorce?

The truth is, most people don’t get divorced very often, and it’s pretty rare that you will continue living the same lifestyle when you separate. So to fore-see all the things you’ll have to sort out and navigate is tough. It is a vulnerable and worrying time. This is where a Divorce Coach comes in. This is a very important time in your life. Succeeding in an amicable separation is crucial to the emotional recovery for both parties and, of course, any children. How you set the tone now could affect your family for a long time to come.

Mother’s Day as a single parent

Mother’s Day as a single parent, or any celebration day for that matter, can feel especially tricky when you’re separating or divorcing. Our tips for Mother’s Day will smooth the way and help you celebrate. […]

How much does divorce cost in the UK? – Step by step guide on how to keep the cost down

Divorce has a reputation for being expensive, but fees don’t have to rise through the roof. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep the costs down so that breaking up doesn’t have to break […]

Divorce Financial Settlement | FAQs - Everything You Need to Know

The financial side of divorcing and legalising what has been agreed is sometimes called a divorce financial settlement. Here's everything you need to know about the financial settlement or arrangement (or the consent order as it's commonly known)...

How to get divorced in the UK (England & Wales) - Step by step filing for divorce guide

One of the most common things I hear in my work as a Divorce Specialist is ‘I want to get divorced, but I have no idea where to start’. Most people are first-time and one-time […]

How to have an amicable no-fault divorce in England & Wales

If you and your partner have decided to separate, working out how to go about this and where to start can often seem really daunting. There are also some common pitfalls to avoid which we have highlighted below if you want an amicable no-fault divorce.

What is a conditional order in England & Wales?

The conditional order confirms that you are entitled to divorce under English law and represents the middle stage of the legal process of divorce. As of the introduction of no-fault divorce in England & Wales on the 6th of April 2022, couples can get divorced without needing to blame each other in the legal process. Divorces aren’t automatic and there are several stages to legally ending your marriage.

No-fault divorce has finally been introduced in England & Wales

We are thrilled to announce that today, No-fault divorce has been introduced in England and Wales. This represents the biggest change in divorce laws in over 50 years and something that we have been campaigning for as a company for a long time. amicable wholeheartedly supports this change and believe it will make a real difference in the way couples divorce as the new law will remove fault and blame from the process.

Tips on how to approach 'discipline' if you’re co-parenting

In general, how couples decide to discipline their children can be a tricky topic to navigate, so if you throw in a divorce or separation, it can complicate things even more. I know this from experience, as I have successfully co-parented my two children with their father, for 6 years. A further complication is that he lives in Europe, so we are actually co-parenting from different countries as well. I’ve dedicated a whole blog on this topic, which you can read here if you want more tips on this.

Financial disclosure and divorce

We often get asked by our customers, whether or not you need to disclose your finances to your spouse if you’re divorcing. This will depend on your individual situation and the nature of your divorce. We have outlined below when financial disclosure might be required, as well as the types of financial disclosure and where this sits within the divorce process.

What is a co-parenting specialist and when might you need one?

A co-parenting specialist is usually a professional who is able to guide you through your transition from parents to co-parents following a separation or divorce. They can have a variety of backgrounds and there is no set pathway to this career. For example mediation, psychology or counselling. If you’ve recently separated and especially if you’ve been separated for a long time, then you will be well versed in the unique challenges that co-parenting can present to a couple.

Is it a gift or is it a loan?

A frequent question that comes up with our customers, is whether a sum of money given by a parent to the couple, or one of them in particular, is a gift or loan. Clarity on this matter has been somewhat reached through the judgment passed by HHJ Edward Hess on the 10th of February 2022 with regards to the case, P v Q.

amicable’s guide to children’s mental health and divorce

Divorce and separation is not only difficult for the couple, but also for their children as well. As with any loss (in this case, changes to the family unit), divorce and separation can impact children’s mental health. However, there are ways to help your children cope with this and of course, ways to spot early signs if they are not coping.

What is divorce anxiety?

Divorce anxiety is the term given to the intense feelings of worry experienced when going through a divorce. As with any anxiety, it will include negative thoughts about the future, and an unpleasant physiological response.

Inherited assets and divorce

We often get asked questions relating to divorce and inheritance, such as ‘what happens if I inherit assets when I am going through a divorce or if I am already divorced? Is my ex entitled to any of it?’. The topic of divorce and inheritance can be quite complex and we shall try and clarify this for you in this blog, as understandably this topic is very important to many of you.

Cryptocurrency and divorce (England & Wales)

If you’re currently going through divorce (or dissolution) proceedings and you are planning on formalising your financial arrangements through a financial remedy order or a consent order, you will need to disclose everything you have in order for the court to judge whether it's been separated fairly. So how does cryptocurrency factor into this?

Divorce Day 2022 - January 4th or April 6th?

Divorce Day traditionally falls on the first working day of January and is a popular point of discussion in the media.

The amicable guide to nesting arrangements

If you’ve recently separated or divorced, you may have done some provisional research into the various co-parenting patterns people choose to adopt once they transition from parents to co-parents. You therefore may have come across the term ‘nesting’ and may be thinking ‘what is a nesting arrangement?’.

10 tips for co-parenting in separate countries

I co-parent my two boys, 17 and 11, with my ex-husband who lives in Europe. Predominately they live with me as they attend school in the UK. Our informal arrangement is that I have the boys during term time and my ex is responsible for school holiday time. Whilst my setup may be unique, I know that there are many of you, like me, who co-parent your children from separate countries.

How to dissolve a civil partnership in England and Wales

A civil partnership is a legal relationship that can be registered between two people of either the opposite sex or the same sex. Traditionally, only members of the same sex were able to enter into a civil partnership, until a change in the law in 2019.

Government increases court fees for divorcing and separating couples in England and Wales

The government has announced that they will be increasing the court fee costs for divorcing and separating couples at the end of the month. This means, separating couples in England and Wales will pay more for applying for the legal paperwork associated with their divorce (unless you are eligible for a discount or exemption).

Guide to living together during your separation or divorce

We are now seeing more and more couples living ‘under the one roof’ during and post-separation, often because of circumstances that cannot be controlled or changed quickly, for example, inability to find alternative accommodation, financial pressure or because you want the children’s lives to be disrupted as little as possible.

What is parallel parenting and how does it differ from co-parenting?

Parallel parenting is a unique arrangement that can be a consciously made decision or simply fallen into by circumstance. It is when two parents who are unable to communicate with each other in a respectful way can co-parent effectively by disengaging from one another and having very formal or limited contact.

Pension Sharing Orders - FAQs

A pension sharing order will require one former spouse’s pension provider to give some, or all, of the funds in that pension plan to their ex (the ‘recipient’). A pension sharing order can be made in respect of a pension either before or after it is in payment. Find out more...

My ex is having a baby

My ex recently told me he was expecting a baby with his partner. I knew that it was likely to happen, it's been years since we separated and we've both moved on and have committed relationships with our partners so when I heard the news, I was surprised that it sparked a series of unexpected emotions.

Our guide to the Family Mediation Voucher scheme

Find out what the new Mediation Voucher Scheme is if you're eligible for the £500 mediation voucher and what other alternatives are out there to help with agreeing finances and childcare post-divorce and separation.

How to arrange (and protect) your finances using a divorce specialist

The financial side of divorcing and legalising what has been agreed is sometimes called a divorce financial settlement. Here's everything you need to know about the financial settlement or arrangement (or the consent order as it's commonly known)...

How do you get a quick and simple divorce? Read amicable's tips on how to speed up your divorce process.

In this post, we're going to explain how quickly it's possible to get a divorce. You'll find out exactly what you and your ex can do to ensure you're not slowing the process down for the fastest feasible divorce.

amicable wins High Court Judgment allowing couples to divorce without lawyers

A landmark judgment in the High Court validates legal services company amicable’s right to help divorcing couples negotiate financial settlements and create joint legal documents

Divorce rates & statistics in the UK (England & Wales) 2021

The Office for National statistics released new data in 2021 on divorcing couples in 2019. We’ve summarised the main points below and offered some comments too based on what we experienced as a divorce services company.

amicable's Behaviour Charter and the A, B, C of a successful separation

Learning from our customers is a cornerstone of what we do, and so we have devised the amicable Behaviour Charter to guide and support through your separation. The good thing about behaviour is that it can be learned. It doesn’t have to come naturally… and it isn’t reliant on anyone else. You can learn behaviour and then choose to apply it.

Wills and Divorce - A Quick Guide on How Splitting Up Affects Your Will

If you’re mid-divorce, or post-divorce, you may well feel like you’d rather not see another legal document right now. But when it comes to your last will and testament, there’s no better time to get things sorted. It’s not even that expensive, or difficult. Here’s why.

What is a consent order and how to get one online?

Ending your marriage or civil partnership is one legal process and ending your financial ties is completely different legal process. The legal process of severing your financial ties is called a consent order or financial order. This blog will explain how to get a consent order online.

The divorce glossary

Legal jargon can be confusing and when it comes to divorce / separation – there are so many acronyms and form names to get your head around. That’s why we’ve decided to put together a legal jargon free glossary for divorce and separation terms. If we’ve missed any – please comment at the bottom of the page and we’ll get it added.

Marriage certificate translation for UK divorce proceedings

This article provides an extensive guide to those looking to have their non-English marriage certificates translated for UK divorce proceedings

West Midlands Divorce Unit Closure

What the closure of West Midlands Divorce Unit means for you if you've started your divorce / dissolution or consent order with them.

Divorce, Separation & Dissolution terms explained

There can be a lot of new and confusing terminology to get to grips with when you separate divorce or dissolve your civil partnership. In this blog we have set out some of the commonly confused terms in everyday language and when they may be applicable to your situation.

When will no-fault divorce begin in UK?

No-fault divorce was introduced on the 6th of April 2022, replacing the previous system for divorce.

What’s the difference between mediation and amicable negotiation?

What's the difference between mediation and amicable's negotiation and Divorce Specialist led support? Find out here.

Why is my divorce taking so long and how to speed it up?

The legal process of divorcing or ending a civil partnership takes longer than most people realise. The average time it usually takes to divorce / end a civil partnership through the courts in England and Wales is around three to four months. However, depending on your situation this can take longer.

Divorced Dads: Tips on how to turn Father's Day inside out

Father's Day is supposed to be a holiday where dads everywhere get celebrated by their nearest and dearest, where they get to kick back and get catered to, or at least left alone to enjoy one special day without too much pressure. But that's not easy for divorced Dads. We divorced Dads can and should make Father's Day into a heartfelt commemoration of fatherhood. And the best way to do that is to turn the holiday inside out. Don't worry about being celebrated. Instead, celebrate.

What is a decree nisi? A step by step guide on how to apply

If you are legally ending your marriage by divorcing or ending your civil partnership through a dissolution in England and Wales, there are four main documents that need to be completed. The ‘decree nisi’ is one of the four main documents involved in the legal process of separating.

Recommended children’s books about divorce

Finding the right advice for you and your family can be a challenge, especially if you’re separating or separated. There are many books out there offering advice to parents who are going through a separation. It’s tough to know who you should listen to. This blog includes...

How to change back to your maiden name after Divorce or Separation

Changing name after divorce of separation can be a symbolic way to disassociate from the past and mark the start of a new life chapter.

How to handle Mothers’ Day as a single parent – top tips for Mums and Dads

It’s impossible to escape the media hype about Mothers’ Day, and when you’re separated and going through a divorce, it can be challenging to handle the emotions that you might find well up. All those sugary images of smiling, happy families are impossible to ignore, and I know it can really hurt if your children aren’t with you on the day. It can be easy to feel low or angry and lose yourself in thinking about the “what if’s”.

I’ve Received Divorce Papers in the Post - What Do I Do Now?

If you’ve received divorce papers through the post and you’re not sure what to do next, read this information and advice.

Divorce checklist: 10 things to check before starting divorce proceedings (if you don’t have children)

This divorce checklist below will help you to prepare if you're right at the beginning of the divorce/separation process, and if you don't have children together. Be sure to consider each step before kicking off the legal process of divorcing or ending your civil partnership.

What is a decree absolute? Step by step guide

A decree absolute (now called the final order) is the last stage of a divorce, or dissolution (if you have a civil partnership) process. When you receive your final order certificate, it means that you are legally divorced. There are four steps you’ll need to complete in order to get a final order. We have outlined them in this blog...

What is a child residence order? (child arrangement order) - Costs & how to apply

Child residence orders are now referred to as ‘Child Arrangement Orders’ in England and Wales. The court operates a ‘no order principal’ which means they will not make an order (for residency or anything else with regards to children) unless there is just cause. So, you will need to show there is a reason for needing an order.

The Divorce Podcast

The Divorce Podcast explores all aspects of ending relationships, separation and parenting apart. In each episode, Kate is joined by experts and special guests who share their own stories, experience, and tips with the goal of helping people end relationships in a kinder, better way.

Ticking the 'financial box' on my divorce application - what does it mean and should I tick yes or no?

This very common question creates a lot of confusion and panic, this blog aims to explain what it means and to help you understand if you should tick it or not. Before we delve into the nitty-gritty, for clarity, we are referring to the 'Do you want to apply for a financial order' question in the divorce/dissolution application (legally known as a D8).

Untie the knot amicably | How to divorce without lawyers

Many people assume you need a lawyer to divorce - you don't. Here are the pros and cons of doing divorce without lawyers and other ways to divorce.

Tenants in common vs joint tenants – advice for cohabiting couples who are separating

This blog will help you if you're cohabiting with your partner, have property and are separating/separated. It will explain the difference between Tenants in Common and Joint Tenants when it comes to your rights over jointly held property.

What’s the difference between marriages and civil partnerships?

Looking for the key differences between marriage and entering into a civil partnership?’. We’ve listed some of the top ones in this blog.

5 Tips for an amicable divorce – In the beginning…

Whatever you do – don’t google Divorce. I’m serious – and don’t ask your divorced friends, colleagues or mum’s neighbour about their experience… oh and absolutely DON’T watch the BBC’s Dr Foster. Divorce has understandably […]

5 more tips for an amicable divorce

So the cat’s out of the bag… the separation is public. Friends, family & maybe children know what’s happening. Anger, hurt, betrayal & fear are all swilling round… so what do you do? Hire a […]

The straightforward guide to divorce options

You’ve decided you’re going to divorce, turning your world upside down and leading to weeks or even months of arguments and tears. You’re just starting to accept this is going to happen and you need […]

Why Can’t We Agree?

Unhelpful thinking patterns – Why can’t we agree? Perhaps you and your partner have started to make decisions about the future apart now you have decided to separate. Perhaps you’re negotiating or mediating and have […]

Why we need to disrupt the family law sector UK

There’s a genuine problem with the way family law works in this country, and the impact it has on divorcing and separating couples and their families – so why has there been so little disruption? […]

5 Tips for separated parents - Father's Day

Father’s Day, or any commemorative day for that matter, can feel especially tricky when you’re in the process of separating or divorcing. Here are some simple ideas and "tricks of the separated parent's trade" about how to navigate Father's Day as a separated parent […]

The launch of amicable’s unique way to divorce

amicable’s unique way to divorce launches this week. Exciting times… So why do we believe traditional models are broken? The majority of people in the UK use a traditional way to divorce, usually, one of these […]

Divorce basics – what you need to know about getting divorced

How do I separate and what’s involved in a divorce? Our divorce basics blog tells you everything you need to know. There are two things that need to happen for you to separate; you must make […]

Tips on how to get divorced if Christmas was the final straw

In this blog, we set out how to get divorced amicably if Christmas has been the straw that’s broken the camel’s back. My own divorce became a reality at Christmas, five years ago, so I […]

Guide to minimising divorce effects on children

* Co-founder of amicable, Kate Daly, shares her tips for minimising how to divorce better for kids. Learning from my mistakes I divorced six years ago. I knew it would be tough. But I wasn’t prepared for was the […]

Grounds For Divorce : What are they and do I have them?

In England and Wales, you must be married at least a year and have divorce grounds to legally end your marriage. In this blog, I will explain what that means. You have divorce grounds if your marriage […]

No-fault divorce bill in England and Wales Guide – latest updates 2022

This guide will explain the meaning of ‘No-fault divorce,’ in England and Wales and how to start your divorce process.

How long does a divorce take in the UK?

I’m frequently asked the question, how long does it take to get divorced? the simple answer is many months. I imagine if you’re the instigator of the divorce this isn’t what you want to hear.

Two years separation as the grounds for divorce

Now that no-fault divorce is law in England and Wales, you can no longer use two years separation as the reason for your divorce.

Divorce admin…Is divorce difficult because of the admin?

Russell Brand recently joked that the hardest part of getting divorced was the divorce admin. The hardest part of divorce is always the emotional fall-out, but Brand does have a point. Getting divorced in England […]

Divorce and how to make the most out of father's day

If you are a dad going through divorce or separation this Father’s Day, the day can feel bittersweet depending on your situation. This blog looks at how to make the most of Father’s Day when […]

How to use unreasonable behaviour as the grounds for divorce UK

If you need to get divorced using ‘unreasonable behaviour’ as the ground for divorce, then this is all you need to know about divorcing under English and Welsh law. Not sure what fact you are […]

How to use five years separation as the grounds for divorce

There are five ‘facts’ in English and Welsh law that you can rely upon to prove your marriage has broken down ‘irretrievably’.. The definitions of these facts can be confusing, this blog explains the five […]

3 reasons not to use amicable divorce and separation services

Writing a blog on reasons not to use amicable’s divorce services may seem odd. But there’s a good reason why. Since amicable launched, we’ve found that there are a three main worries couples face when considering using an online divorce service. So, we wanted to talk through time top three worries (time, money and hassle) and ultimately explain exactly how amicable alleviates all three.

Post-divorce checklist - what to do & things to change after divorce

amicable’s post-divorce checklist makes the post-divorce to do list a little easier by breaking down what you need to do on a life admin basis. Tips for post-divorce practicalities; 1. Try and do all your […]

How to use adultery as grounds for divorce in England & Wales

In English and Welsh law adultery can be used as a ‘fact’ for the Grounds for Divorce if you want to prove that your marriage has broken down. There are five facts or reasons to ‘rely’ […]

How to use examples of unreasonable behaviour to divorce your partner

We do not have ‘no-fault divorce’ in England and Wales which means, one person has to divorce the other, turning the process into a blame game. This can cause unnecessary acrimony at times of high […]

Divorce statistics 2016

Latest stats from the Office of National Statistics reveal divorce rates in 2016 have increased for the first time in five years. There were 106,959 opposite-sex divorces in 2016, an increase of 5.8% compared with […]

18 point checklist guide for an amicable divorce

Wondering how to get divorced? The process can seem daunting and complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve put together a divorce checklist with all the things you’ll need to consider for an amicable […]

Does divorce affect your mental health?

Divorce and separation is an emotional journey with legal and financial consequences. Whilst the legal and financial processes are usually well considered, the emotional journey is often neglected. If you’ve been through a divorce, you’ve […]

Is 50/50 always fair in a divorce settlement?

Splitting your assets (and your debts) when you decide to divorce can feel overwhelming. However, a few simple steps can help make things clearer and reduce the stress and strain on your emotions. If you’re […]

The divorce survival guide to Valentine’s Day

Here it comes again, Valentine’s Day; the day when the whole world seems to be loved up and happy. A weather girl will propose live on air, flowers will double in price and restaurants will […]

My ex, their new partner and our kids – six tips for co-parenting when your ex has a new partner

As a single parent, I always knew that my ex would want to introduce his new partner to our children once we were divorced.  When it happened, I went through a rollercoaster of emotions and […]

10 Top reasons for divorce in 2021

The blog/latest statistics, using 2019 data, from the Office for National Statistics (2021) show that unreasonable behaviour (one of the grounds you can use to divorce in England and Wales) is still the most common reason for divorce used by couples.

What’s the difference between legal separation and divorce?

Many people ask us ‘what’s the difference between separation and divorce?’. Confusingly a legal separation (judicial separation) is different to a separation agreement, and both are different to a divorce. […]

The pros and cons of the online divorce

This week the government launched a nationwide way for couples to apply for a divorce online. The catalyst for this change? 40% of divorce applications are rejected due to errors. If you’re considering an online […]

What is a consent order? Guide to financial consent orders

A consent order is a legally binding document that sets out the financial arrangements you and your ex have come to. It details how you’re going to split any assets, debts, pension, and income you […]

5 Divorce negotiation tips for your divorce settlement

If you’re struggling with your divorce negotiations, we’ve provided below our top negotiation tips to help you settle your divorce yourselves. We’ve also included some things to watch out for that might mean you’re better off getting some negotiation support from one of our divorce coaches. […]

What is a divorce financial order guide

A divorce financial order is a document that makes your agreements about how to split your finances legally binding. It usually has a clause in it that ends any future claims you may have against […]

Healing from divorce and the healing curve

Divorce is commonly accepted now as one of the most traumatic experiences you may have in life. I know it certainly was for me. The first few months after my separation were incredibly challenging – I lost two stone in six weeks, stopped sleeping properly, couldn’t really eat, and spent many hours ruminating on what I could have done differently to avoid this.

No longer need your divorce lawyer?

There are many reasons why you may want to end your legal representation when you are going through a divorce and you may be confused or overwhelmed as to how to go about it. If you are currently being represented by a lawyer, as long as your all paid up for the legal fees you’ve accrued up until the point you decide that you no longer want to be represented, then you have the right to end their representation of you.

Separating at Christmas

When I first started researching heartbreak for my comedy writing and performance a decade ago, I once stumbled upon a graph illustrating the times of the year when breakups, according to Facebook status updates, typically peaked. Christmas Day itself was deemed ‘too cruel’ and was a slower time for getting dumped. However [...]

Debt and Divorce (England and Wales)

You, like many, might be wondering ‘what happens to debt in divorce?’. Debt refers to a sum of money that is owed or due to another individual or institution. There are many different types of debt and it might surprise you to know that debt is included when you come to look at your divorce financial settlement.

amicable’s co-parenting Christmas checklist 2021

With only a month to go until Christmas Day, we’ve written our amicable co-parenting at Christmas checklist, to help keep things simple at one of the busiest and most emotive times of the year. We hope this checklist will help to avoid common co-parenting pitfalls and also help you to prepare emotionally and logistically for the day.

Divorce party

A divorce party is something that some people choose to do to mark the end of a very difficult and emotionally draining process, and for other’s, it’s simply an opportunity to celebrate the start of their new chapter with family and friends. Whilst it’s

How 'Black Box Thinking' can help you through a separation

Everybody wants to be successful. It’s no surprise then, that business-related self-help books are...well, big business. You don’t have to look far to find a list of motivational titles that claim they’ll help you ‘reach your potential’, ‘breakthrough the glass ceiling’ and ‘shoot for the moon’.

The unexpected joys of breakups

One bright autumn morning during the ambiguously gradual unravelling of my five-year relationship, I strolled briskly from our rented house on Brixton Hill across Brockwell Park to the Lido. I was looking forward to the mindful back and forth of swimming bracing lengths.

5 mindfulness activities to help you during divorce and separation

Divorce and separation are widely accepted as being one of the most emotionally traumatic things a person can go through. At amicable, we understand that it’s the emotional journey of the divorce that can be, not only the hardest part but the most difficult element to control. So we’ve written down some simple mindfulness tools, with the support of the therapists at [Spill](https://www.spill.chat/), to help you re-centre when you’re going through a divorce or separation.

Tips to help you co-parent your teenager

Divorce is challenging for all children regardless of their age however, it can be particularly challenging for teenagers. Teenagers are already going through an enormous period of change in their lives and having two parents who are at odds with one another can exacerbate this.

How to help younger children deal with separation

My ex and I separated when our baby boy was two. In the eighteen months that have passed since the day she moved out of the family home, we have worked hard to heal and grow, both as a family and as individuals. I am happy to report that our current set-up, as co-parents who live on adjacent streets and share the responsibility and cost for our child 50/50, works well.

Four tips for coping with separation

“It’s over.” These two words, when used in the context of a relationship, can have a deep, lasting and upsetting impact on both the person receiving them, as well as the person delivering them. The end of a relationship marks the end of your journey with that other person and

The pros and cons of co-parenting around the corner

When my wife and I separated, we decided to remain living close to one another as we co-parented our two-year-old son. This, at least, was our mid-term interim solution – our plan for a couple of years before we could go ahead and dissolve our Civil Partnership and reach a financial settlement.

Pensions on divorce and dissolution

If you have decided to divorce, or dissolve your civil partnership, you and your ex need to decide how to separate, and possibly share, your financial assets. The first step is to provide each other with full details of your income, property, pensions and savings (your ‘assets’) and all debts and loans. All debts and assets should be considered, including all pensions, whether you intend to share them or not.

I want a divorce but my partner doesn’t – advice if one person is ready and the other isn’t

A common hurdle to separating amicably happens at the very beginning of a separation; when one person says it's over, but the other person doesn't agree. Read Relate counsellor, Dee Holmes's advice on how to get on the same page.

What is the Parents Promise and why does amicable support it?

What is the #ParentsPromise and why does amicable support it?

Advice to help teens adjust to your divorce

Sue Atkins, internationally recognised Parenting Expert, discusses how the process of divorcing can vary depending on the age and personalities of your children. Read her helpful guide on…

Anger: how to deal with this destructive emotion during your divorce

Divorcing is an emotional rollercoaster, and one of the emotions that you will nearly inevitably experience is anger. Dr Isabelle Hung discusses navigating anger during divorce...

What’s a Mesher Order? Options for sorting out the family home

A Mesher Order forms part of your consent (financial) order and allows you to postpone the sale of the family home until your children have completed their secondary education (sometimes extended to cover their university education). Crucially...

5 tips to help you communicate with your co-parent after separating

Author of the breaking dad blog and Instagram page Daniel Betts, teaches you how to communicate better with your ex after parental separation.

Introducing the amicable co-parenting app

amicable just launched a brand new app to support couples with parenting after a divorce or separation.

amicable divorce on BBC's The One Show - Jonna and Rob's separation story

Last night, BBC’s The One Show featured the amicable divorce journey of Rob and Jonna – two very important customers of amicable’s. The short film (which has been in the works for over two years!) shows that it is possible to stay on good terms with your ex long after separation – even if you have the added pressure of co-parenting two young children.

How to co-parent this Christmas Guide

At a time when we are besieged with social media images of cosy families in matching Christmas PJs sitting around the tree, showing joy and togetherness you may well find yourselves navigating the difficult terrain of logistics, doubling up of presents, who gets to wake up with the kids or literally being alone for the first time this Christmas. Here are my tips on how to co-parent this Christmas.

Life after divorce – A rough guide

There’s lots of advice out there about how to move past your divorce or what you ‘should do’ when it comes to navigating life after divorce. For many of us, we’re not able to hear or receive that kind of information when it’s given – however, well-meaning the narrator. Like so many things in life, timing is everything. So, maybe don’t read this blog like that… save it somewhere so you can read it bit by bit when you’re ready. Ignore the stuff that grates and take what you can and pay it forward. And before you hate me for looking smug or appearing to have everything sorted – I didn’t get it right, it took me ages, many mistakes were (and still are) made and some of what comes next is from the school of ‘do as I say; not as I do/did’. I’ve tried to pull together the best of what I did right and wrong and some of things I’ve learnt from working with amazing divorcing couples over the years…I hope something helps.

Silver splitters’ state pensions - Guide on how to check if you’re entitled to a pension boost

If you reached the state’s retirement age before April 2016 and went on to get divorced, you could receive a government boost to your pension. Read the full details below.

Establishing a new relationship with money after divorce

Reaching a fair financial settlement often takes centre stage during a divorce or separation and is key in achieving an amicable divorce. For many, a divorce marks not only a change in financial circumstances, but the start of establishing a new relationship with money.

Adjusting to life as a co-parent

The Frolo community is full of single parents who have been there, done that, and are happy to share their wisdom with other single parents. Here’s some of their best advice on adjusting to your new role as a co-parent.

Why should you use an online Divorce Coach

Divorce ranks as one of the most stressful things you can go through in life, with emotions running high and often lots of issues to work through and decisions to make, it is important to have the right support and advice. Many people have turned to divorce coaches and divorce coaching to help them handle what is a highly emotional and uncertain journey for many families.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and It's Impact on Child Maintenance

Lots of you have been in touch asking about child maintenance payments during the COVID-19 lockdown. There's little official advice other than children under 18 should continue to see both parents and move between their two home to keep the status quo. But what happens to child maintenance payments if your situation changes?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Your Financial Settlement

If you're negotiating your financial settlement as part of your divorce or separation as well as dealing with Coronavirus (COVID-19), then the anxiety levels can start to feel overwhelming. But don't worry, we are here to help, and have put together some FAQ's and advice to support you.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Co-parenting Guide

This is a really testing time for all of us. But if you are navigating separated parenting as well as dealing with Coronavirus (COVID-19), then the anxiety levels can start to feel overwhelming. But don't worry, we are here to help, and have put together some FAQ's and advice to support you.

A New Direction: Changing Careers During Your Divorce

In a poll of British workers from 2019, 64% admitted that finding a new job was a priority for 2020. For many people, work accounts for a huge amount of their time, so finding the right job is essential both emotionally and financially. If you’re in the process of going through a divorce, changing your work life might be a necessity for financial stability, but it might also represent freedom, or part of rebuilding your life and confidence in this new chapter. With so many decisions to be made during this period, here are some considerations to take on board if you’re contemplating a change of career.

How amicable's technology offers access to justice for separating couples

In January 2020, the High Court ruled that amicable's LawTech model created to help separating and divorcing couples to separate amicably has a vital role to play in promoting and promulgating access to justice.

How can a breakup be amicable even when there’s financial strain?

While breakups are hard, the effects on finances can make the whole ordeal even harder. In the UK alone, around 500,000 people face tough financial times after a split. Housing, divorce costs, and living expenses are just some of the things to consider when the relationship dissolves. Knowing that there might be financial difficulties after the split can make it hard to remain civil, especially if you’re getting the rougher end of the deal. Discover ways to remain on good terms even when finances aren’t looking great.

Divorce day 2020 - fact or fiction?

Divorce Day has become an annual talking point in the media and amongst people working in the family law world. In 2020, Divorce Day is meant to fall on Monday 6th January.

Blended families – top tips to help yours work

Creating your blended family can be tricky and treacherous at the beginning, but if you persevere then it can bring so much reward. Here are some things that will help you reach stable ground.

Moving on post separation - dating expert Charly Lester

Following a separation or divorce, it can be tricky to get back into the dating game. Dating expert Charly Lester, who is the co-founder of Lumen, the dating app for over 50s, shares her advice on moving on.

What happens if a consent order is broken?

A consent order (sometimes called a financial order) will legalise the financial arrangements you have made with your ex when you divorce / end your civil partnership. It’s also the document that will end financial claims against each other in the future. A consent order is a safety net that protects you both so that one person can’t change their mind in the future. The courts will not check up on you to see if you are both upholding what is stated but you can ask the court for help if one person breaks the agreements documented in the consent order.

amicable co-parenting tips: your child's education

School is a major part of your children’s lives and a central pillar providing structure and social support, as well as academic opportunity. When you and their other parent separate, school may become particularly essential as a source of continuity and stability for your children.

Living arrangements for children after divorce or separation

Living arrangements for your children when you divorce and separate is usually a main focus for parents, and quite rightly. If you're not sure where to start and you need some help, read this blog on living arrangements written by a co-parenting expert.

amicable's helpful guide to child maintenance

Read amicable's guide to child maintenance, written by co-parenting experts, if you're divorcing or separating from your ex.

How to deal with frustration as you divorce or separate

I’m sure, like me, you’ve been in a position of feeling frustrated during your divorce. Often, I see this happen when one party feels they just can’t seem to get through to their ex and make them understand their point. As a result, they feel frustrated and irritated, angry and powerless. Here are some tips on how to deal with divorce frustration as you separate.

How to tell if your Relationship turned into a Situationship

As ‘Love Island’ draws to its summer climax, perhaps you’ve been analysing your love life and relationship. This post explores what characterises strong relationships and how to spot the signs your relationship has stagnated and left you in situationship.

Practical do’s & don’ts for successful co-parenting by parenting expert Sue Atkins

A divorce or separation can be a difficult time for everyone, including your children. Here are my do's and don'ts for successful co-parenting.

Tips for co-parenting over the holidays

The long summer holidays are about to start in England & Wales. Even in an undivided family, holidays can cause headaches over juggling childcare, work, breaks to routine, trips away. When you are trying to organise a separated family’s holiday time, it can be stressful and emotions can run high. Here are my top 4 tips for successful co-parenting over the holidays.

Three tips for co-parenting at your child's birthday party

Organising a party for your children when you're separated or separating can be a tricky balancing act. Having just gone through a series of kids' parties with my own, I wanted to share my tips in the hope it helps co-parents out there who are struggling with party preparations.

Top tips for co-parenting after separation

“Co-parenting” describes a parenting relationship in which the child’s parents share responsibility for bringing up their child/children despite not being in a relationship with each other. It is often held up as the ideal way to parent children following a separation or divorce.

Introducing new partners to your ex partner after divorce or separation

Advice from co-parenting expert, Marcie Shaoul, on how to introduce new partners to your blended family after divorce / separation.

Lara's story: Five things I wish I knew before I got divorced

Divorce is such an alien experience. Our world is turned upside down and inside out, and we often find ourselves reacting to what is happening, rather than standing back and trying to rationalise and plan. Whilst everyone’s situation (financial and otherwise) and reasons for divorce vary widely, there are definitely things that are helpful to know in advance. Here are the things I wish I knew before I got divorced.

Quotes about divorce and separation

Here is amicable’s pick of the most inspiring, positive and helpful quotes out there about divorce and separation. Share your favourite quotes in the comments below.

3 tips to help you communicate with your ex as you separate or divorce

Communication with your ex during a divorce or separation can be fraught and full of stress. When you are caught in a cycle of conflict, with hurt and fear in the mix, it can be all too easy for tempers to flare, for things to be said and done, and for the temperature of the discussion to rise very quickly. Here are three top tips for smoother communication with your ex.

Childcare arrangements after divorce & separation

Adjusting to your new family set up post-separation can be challenging. You may not get it right first time, and things will change with time, so what worked, in the beginning, may not be working for you now. All of this is normal. The key thing to remember when it comes to co-parenting after a divorce/separation is that your family is unique and nobody’s perfect. Don’t sweat the small stuff, focus on the bigger the picture; what can you realistically control and how can you create an environment where your kids can thrive?

No-fault divorce - what you need to know

David Gauke, Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor confirmed today that divorce laws will change and ‘no-fault divorce’ will be introduced. This is the first change in divorce laws for nearly 50 years

Three options to find out how much your property is worth when you separate

You need to have an idea of the value of the property before you start talking about how you will split your finances when you divorce/separate. Lots of couples tend to rush into making assumptions about how much their property/properties are worth, which isn't helpful in the long run. Here are three ways to get your property/properties valued:

What to do with your dog if you split up with your partner

The end of a relationship brings various life adjustments, many couples have more than just themselves to think about including family, friends, children and pets. Pet owners love their animals and want them to be happy but there’s not much advice on how to care for them through a break-up. So here are my tips to keep your pup happy as you transition into a new chapter of your life.

Divorce and property – what you need to do and know in three simple steps...

A big consideration when you divorce or separate is how to sort out any property you own. Every separation is different, but the tips below are a good place to start and will hopefully save you time, money and hassle.

5 things your adult child wants you to know about how your divorce is affecting them

Divorcing couples with young children are inundated with advice on how to tell the children and how to act in their best interests, but there is very little advice or research out there to help you navigate talking to your adult children about your split. I’ve talked to grown-up children of divorced and divorcing parents and put together the top 5 things they want you to know about how your divorce is affecting them.

Can you get a divorce & still own property together? Guide to divorce & house ownership

Divorce, when you own a house, can seem a little complicated, but it doesn’t need to be. There are a few reasons why you may want to still own a house with

The New Routine – Establishing a Care Pattern that Works for all of you

Breaking up is hard to do. Even when it’s amicable. And when children are involved, it’s always harder. If you’re reading this you’re probably open to the idea that custody arrangements are changing and that there is a significant move away from the ‘mum get’s the kids and dad sees them every other weekend’ patterns of the last few decades. Believe me, that’s a good thing. It’s also tough. Tough to share your kids, but you know what, it’s tougher for them if they don’t see both parents. Read this blog for information on potential care patterns that may work for your family once you're divorced or separated.

What is spousal maintenance?

Spousal maintenance is a payment made by either a husband or wife to their former partner when they divorce or dissolve their civil partnership. It is a specific sum of money paid (usually monthly) for a specified period. Spousal maintenance is different to child maintenance and is only paid if one person cannot support themselves after the divorce or dissolution of the civil partnership.

Divorce Day – Fact or Fiction?

Each year in January several column inches are devoted to Divorce Day – the first working Monday in January, when there is reportedly a spike in people applying to divorce. This year there is a concerted effort by many people in the legal industry to bust the myth about divorce-day. So, is Divorce Day fact or fiction?

Juggling the holidays after divorce - A child’s point of view

Here are some thoughts from a child of divorce, on how to help your kids juggle the holidays with their divorced parents.

Five tips for co-parenting over Christmas

Marcie Shaoul shares her expertise on navigating the festive season with your co-parent.

The Top 3 Common Law Myths You Should Know About

If you’re co-habiting and things go sour, you should protect yourselves by being aware of these three common myths when it comes ‘common law’ and your cohabiting rights.

#childrenfirst – more tips for an amicable divorce

Most people say when asked, putting children first is fundamental to good parenting. But what happens if as separating parents you have different ideas about putting your children first? How can you know what your […]

Lawyers vs Machines

In 1996, a speaker told The Law Society that in five years’ time the predominant method of communication between lawyer and client would be email. The law society responded by banning the speaker from addressing […]

3 Tips for the Festive Season

Christmas can be a tough time of year if you’ve recently separated. If you’ve been together for years and this is your first Christmas, it’s pretty hard to imagine how difficult it can be, especially […]

amicable featured in Legal Futures

Legal Futures’ Nick Hilborne wrote about amicable today, here’s what he had to say: Amicable app’ aims to take some of the pain – and cost – out of divorce A counsellor and a tech […]

How to know when it's over and if you should leave

It’s that time of year… Christmas wasn’t the Waitrose/Morrisons advert you’d been hoping for and the strains of spending the festive break in a flagging relationship have pushed you to seriously consider your options. You are not […]

Can you help us change the way the world views divorce?

amicable is looking for a limited number of beta customers, join us and manage your separation in a new and unique way by becoming the first users of our ground breaking app.   It’s our view that […]

Five questions to ask yourself before you separate or divorce

Being in the right emotional place is fundamental to having an amicable divorce. Find out if you’re ready to separate with our five simple, ‘ready for change’ questions. Perhaps the idea of ever being ready […]

Divorce goals - what are they and why should you have them?

Why create goals? Focusing on the future rather than dwelling on the past leads to a more positive mindset for everyone during separation. There are lots of decisions that need to be made when you […]

A guide to parenting plans for co-parents

If you’re divorcing with kids, prioritizing their needs during your divorce will help them thrive in the future. A good way to minimise the impact on children is to create a parenting plan. A parenting […]

Why create a budget?

Why create a budget? Knowing what you need to live on will help you make realistic financial agreements as part of your divorce. If you don’t know what you need to live on in the […]

amicable’s guide to financial separation when you divorce or legally separate in England and Wales

Considering the principles for financial separation of your divorce, before you get bogged down in the detail can save you time, energy and money […]

Infographic : The Divorce Process

Divorce infographic When you are divorcing the sheer amount of information available means knowing where to start can feel impossible. To help with this I wrote a blog last month entitled ‘The straightforward guide to divorce’ . […]

Could a ‘mathematical equation’ be the solution - Gary Lineker

Newspapers such as the Telegraph report today that Gary Lineker calls for ‘mathematical equation’ to simplify costly divorce proceedings  –Read article We couldn’t agree more – and it’s something of a passion of ours. The […]

How to tell your kids you’re getting divorced

There are always good ways of giving upsetting news. Preparation on the part of us parents makes things easier for our kids and starts our co-parenting relationship off on the right foot. For anyone with […]

How much is communication whilst you separate costing you?

Whilst amicable is sometimes an aspiration rather than a reality when you start the divorce process, one thing is certain. To sort out separation you have to communicate with each other. How you communicate, and […]

Are you sure it’s over? How to Brexit amicably

A lot of commentators have compared Brexit to a divorce, albeit a very complex one. We at amicable know that when you divorce, especially  if you have children, the way you approach it and the […]

Mr V Mrs – Call The Mediator - Love it or loathe it, the programme creates debate

Whilst millions of people watched Call the Mediator, believing (or breathing a sigh of relief) that this kind of thing happens to other people, it’s a fact that in England & Wales, 42% of all […]

Guest blogger Alexa’s thoughts on co-parenting with the worst kind of ex: The narcissist

At amicable, our mission is help separating parents divorce with minimal conflict and work together for the sake of their co-parenting relationship or sanity (or both!)… but sometimes that’s just not possible. Our guest blogger Alexa shares her thoughts […]

Summer survival guide for separated parents

It’s that time of year when, if you’re separated parents, you have shared summer holidays looming. For any parent, the long holiday requires some careful thought and preparation, but for separated and often working parents, […]

How to save money on your divorce with timing tips

It may be a cliché to say timing is everything, but in divorce it’s crucial to making it through amicably with your heart and bank balance intact. In this blog we’ll show you how to […]

8 Jaw-Dropping Divorce Statistics

Separation can feel isolating but our divorce statistics show you’re not alone. Nearly half a million people each year in the UK face the break-up of a marriage or co-habiting relationship and half of those […]

Brangelina’s or Ballboyslim’s kids?

Two celebrity couples. Two high profile divorces. Two lots of kids. That’s just about where the similarities end. As far as divorces go you couldn’t get two more different approaches to untying the knot with […]

Christmas, divorce and separated co-parenting

Welcome to the amicable guide to Christmas, divorce and separated parenting. If it’s your first Christmas as separated parents or even the first time you’ll be without the kids  – don’t worry – our guide […]

amicable is announced as National Technology Awards finalist

Innovation of the year Press Release:amicable has been shortlisted for the Innovation of the year, in the National Technology Awards. The legal services disruptor, has been nominated for their ground-breaking app helping divorcing and separating couples […]

Has the Government's increase in court fees contributed to decreasing divorce rates?

The Telegraph recently released an article stating that divorce rates are at the lowest level in 40 years. The article suggested that this decline may be partly due to the ‘cohabiting revolution’. But I wonder whether […]

How to use desertion as the grounds for divorce in England and Wales

What does ‘desertion’ mean when it comes to divorce? Desertion in English and Welsh law is defined as one person in the marriage deserting the other for a continuous period of at least two years. […]

Reasons for divorce UK

Not sure what the reasons for divorce are? In England and Wales, there are five reasons you can use to get a divorce. Here is a quick run down of all of the reasons along […]

What to do with your weddings rings when your divorce is official

So you’ve decided to divorce, the Decree Absolute’s arrived but what do you do with your wedding rings now that your divorce is official? Sell them You might want to clear out everything to do […]

How to tell your partner that you want a divorce or to separate

‘I want a divorce – but don’t know how to tell my ex’. This is often a major reason why people stay in unhappy relationships and lose their confidence and mojo. My blog has tips […]

Divorcing with kids – The amicable guide

If you’re divorcing with kids, prioritizing their needs during your divorce will help them thrive in the future. A good way to minimise the impact on children is to create a parenting plan. A parenting […]

Grayson Perry’s new Channel 4 documentary and how to get involved

amicable is working with Channel4 on a ground-breaking new documentary series with Turner Prize-winning artist Grayson Perry. Grayson would like to speak to couples in the process of establishing new lives after a separation, with […]

6 questions to ask yourself before reconciling with your ex

Working out if a relationship is completely over versus going through a bad patch can be a difficult thing. Relationship breakdown is a process after-all – but not a linear one. It often involves a […]

How to avoid the airport delay for parents with different surnames to their kids

It’s amazing to think that in 2017, mums and dads are being stopped at airports because their children have a different surname to them. But, it’s still happening at great stress to parents, kids, and […]

amicable’s co-parenting guide for christmas

Is this your first Christmas as a separated parent? Not sure what to expect or how to handle your new family set-up. This blog offers pragmatic advice to help you keep your Co-Parenting Christmas, merry. […]

10 Divorce myths and the actual facts

In 2017, the team at amicable has spoken to thousands of people about their divorce. We’ve heard some weird and wonderful myths about divorce and separation and thought it was about time you had the […]

amicable raises angel investment in order to help more couples to separate amicably

amicable is delighted to announce that we have successfully secured £472,260 from a remarkable group of angel investors. Since launching to customers in January 2017, we have been amazed by the number of couples who […]

Divorce Day – Fact or Fiction

Families across the UK are enjoying the Christmas holidays, but some couples will not be joining in the festive cheer this year. The holidays are often a tricky time for couples whose relationships have been […]

Who keeps the cat once you're legally separated?

In the UK, almost half of all households have pets, with the pet population at around 54 million.* That’s a lot of furry friends. And with so many of us owning animals, around 50% of […]

How to rebuild your life after a divorce - helpful guide & tips

Regardless of whose decision it was to divorce, the end of a marriage can bring about a rollercoaster of unexpected feelings of shame, self-doubt, fear, and insecurity. You might worry that you’ll never be happy […]

Which type of mortgage can make buying a house after separating easier?

A big consideration, when parting ways, is where each of you is going to live.  If you have a low income (or no income at all) then finding your own place can seem daunting – […]

Silver splitters: How a lifetime mortgage could help you separate in later life

Divorce in later life is on the up. Although (until last year) the overall divorce rate has been falling, for the last 20 years, there’s been a steady increase in separation among the over 60s, […]

5 tips for navigating Mother’s Day after divorce

‘Family’ days like Mother’s Day after divorce or during the divorce journey can be difficult to navigate. A positive mindset and these amicable tips will help you to make the most out of the day […]

How can style boost your confidence during divorce

Jacynth Bassett, founder of The Bias Cut shares her tips on using style to boost your confidence during or post-divorce. As a mother going through a divorce, a top priority is to be a solid […]

How to help your friend through a divorce

We all know that a true friend is one that sticks by us when the going gets tough, but when a friend is going through divorce, if you haven’t had that experience yourself, it can […]

How to tell your friends and family you’re getting divorced

Telling friends and family you’re getting divorced for most people, is a frightening prospect. Being worried about people’s reactions is completely normal and totally understandable. Being prepared for tricky questions and negative reactions can make […]

Benefits post-divorce - What you should know

When you physically separate and go to living in a one adult household, it’s helpful to maximise any benefits post-divorce that you might be entitled to and take advantage of any additional help that is out […]

What you should read before you send that text to your ex

The journey through a divorce or separation brings a range of emotions from shock, fear, anger relief and eventual acceptance. Combine the early emotions of anger and fear with the need to communicate and sort […]

Making ‘handovers’ a more pleasant experience for you and your child

All too often we hear about separated parents arranging to meet at petrol stations or train stations for ‘handovers’, which sounds very bleak and perfunctory for children. Here are some tips to help you make […]

The Tini Owens divorce case and No-Fault Divorce

You’ve probably seen the coverage regarding Tini Owens in the news recently. This story has sparked debate over the last few years for a number of reasons. If you’d like a better understanding of the […]

Using unreasonable behavior as the reason for divorce? Write a statement that will allow you to remain amicable

Are you using ‘unreasonable behaviour’ as the reason to divorce? This blog will give you some information and tips that’ll help you to remain amicable with your ex. However, before we jump in, it’s worth […]

Divorce law reform is finally on the horizon

Divorce laws in England and Wales have been due a review for some time now. It’s been a staggering 50 years since the last review, and in the words of David Gauke, “the ‘blame game’ […]