1 in 4 people in the UK will suffer from a mental health problem each year, and 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health condition such as anxiety or depression, in any given week. Being in a happy, stable relationship positively impacts on the mental health of the couple, but poor marriages and relationships can increase risks of depression and anxiety, according to the Mental Health Foundation. May hosts Mental Health Awareness Week, so this blog explores how mental health affects marriage, and whether depression can lead to divorce. How does mental illness affect your relati ..read more

Social media can be an amazing tool for connection, keeping up with family and friends and sharing your own highlights. However, when going through a divorce, it can be tempting to turn to your social pages to vent, or stalk your ex. This is where social media can become more of a risk than a reward. Chloe O, certified divorce and separation coach, discusses the perils of social media when you are going through divorce, and where best to seek help. What to avoid on social media during divorce In our world of virtual communities and social media, most of us tend to go online to share our latest ..read more

Home Rights Notices in divorce and civil partnership dissolutions The family home is often the most valuable asset in divorce and civil partnership dissolutions. However, marital homes are not always held jointly in both partner’s names. This is when a Home Rights Notice can help. There can be many reasons why the shared home is legally owned by just one partner. Common scenarios include the home belonging to one partner before the marriage, or that only one partner was able to get a mortgage at the time of purchase. Here, Rebecca Finnigan, Partner for Liverpool and Chester, explains more. Wha ..read more

‘Should I stay or should I go?’ is a very common question for those thinking about divorce or separation. But what happens when you’ve decided to ‘go’ and you’re thinking about your future relationship with your ex partner? ‘Should I stay friends with my ex?’ might be an important question playing on your mind. One of the first things to do is consider why you want to remain friends before moving on to suggesting this to your partner. Particularly in those initial conversations about divorce and separation, emotions can be very hard to understand and manage, so it’s important to take some time ..read more

Navigating divorce negotiations can feel like a daunting marathon, but starting with clear objectives can guide you through. Here, certified Divorce Coach Chloe O. shares insights into the value of having the right divorce negotiations mindset, including setting achievable goals, avoiding counterproductive language, and finding common ground for a more peaceful resolution. Starting your divorce with the right negotiation mindset Ninety percent of couples begin their divorce process with the intention of keeping it amicable. That is often because they want to avoid the conflict, cost and time i ..read more

From 29th April 2024 there will be changes to the Family Procedure Rules (FPR). The current rules have been in place since 2010 and are being updated to place greater expectation on courts, family practitioners and families going through breakdown to use non-court-based methods to resolve financial and children matters. What are the FPR? The Family Procedure rules govern the process and procedures used in the family court system in England and Wales. They are governed by a committee, the Family Procedure Rule Committee. The Rules provide practice directions – essentially how the family courts ..read more

Sharenting after divorce Harmless sharing or a breach of privacy? In this current era of social media, most of us have seen online content featuring other people’s children. Celebrities, influencers, family, friends, and even distant acquaintances, document details of their home lives and the children they’re raising via photos, videos and updates, often referred to as ‘sharenting’. We’ve been documenting life long before social media. However, the widespread cultural norm of sharing our lives online means that what would previously have been treasured photo albums, family footage and diaries ..read more

At Stowe, we understand how important it is to get the right support from the right professional during divorce.  That’s why we’re launching Divorce Coaching at Stowe, in partnership with the Divorce Coaching Academy and their partner coaches.  This first phase sees us deliver a new searchable directory of highly qualified divorce coaches to connect you with coaches who specialise in offering emotional and practical support to people during divorce and separation. What is a divorce coach?  A divorce coach is a trained professional who specialises in working with individuals faci ..read more

How to support teenagers through divorce It’s common to worry about how divorce or separation will affect your children, particularly teenagers. Adolescents are already experiencing a natural stage of transformation, so how does divorce affect teenage children? Reassuringly, when parents show unwavering love for their child and continue to work together to prioritise the wellbeing of their family, teenagers can adapt to their new family dynamic over time, and thrive. In this article, we share advice to help you support your teenage children through your divorce or separation. Navigating divorc ..read more

The Family Court fees are expected to rise soon, as a result of the Government’s proposal that court fees should increase by up to 10% in 2024. It is anticipated that these changes will happen in April 2024. The Ministry of Justice has stated that ‘implementing increases to court and tribunal fees is vital to our ongoing work to protect access to the courts for all those who seek justice.’ The aim is to ensure that the courts can be properly resourced, as the increases will generate between £34 million and £42 million a year. Court fees have not increased since 2021, and the incoming change is ..read more