"divorceadvice" posts

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.

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.

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'.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 […]

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 […]

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.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

#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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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’ . […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]