• 2 min read

Separation during lockdown – we’re still here for you

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With an increasing number of media reports headlining the impact that COVID-19 has had on relationships, are you considering separating?

If so, clearly you are not the only one. This pandemic, which will have lasted a year in March, has not been easy. There have been financial consequences for some with redundancies, unemployment and furloughed workers on reduced income. Others have struggled with homeworking and homeschooling.

The mental impact of all this should not be underestimated. Whether you were considering separating from your partner before and the pandemic has magnified the issues affecting your relationship, you now realise that they have been there all along, or whether new issues have come to light during the pandemic, we are here for you.

You have a number of options available to you. Here are our top tips if you are contemplating separation:

  1. Seek legal advice early. Trethowans offer a free half an hour initial consultation to discuss your legal options in family matters. Currently we are offering appointments by phone or video call until it is safe to invite you to the offices.
  2. Put the children first. Separation can be hard on all parties; the children are often caught up in parental conflict during a separation which can cause a great deal of distress and upset. Try to prevent the children from hearing any adult conversations and focus on doing what is best for them.
  3. Speak out – confide in a family member, friend or professional and seek support. Separation is not easy whether it was your decision or not. This may not be easy during lockdown, go for a walk and phone a friend if you need too.
  4. Seek help. If you are in an abusive relationship then try to seek help. There are a wealth of organisations who can advise you or signpost you to other support services if you are a victim of domestic abuse. Abuse comes in many forms, it’s not limited to physical or sexual but can be emotional, financial or psychological. Your GP could be your first contact.
  5. Don’t rush. Usually, there is no immediate rush to make long term decisions. If the separation is amicable then take your time in considering the future. Take one day at a time.
  6. Pick your battles. Try to focus on the here and now and the decisions that need to be made straight away and which ones can wait.
  7. Moving on. Decide if one of you can move out and how this would work in practice. Seek financial advice; this could be benefit advice from the local Council or Citizens Advice Bureau, or an independent financial planner.

Please contact one of our Trethowans’ Family team today on 0800 2800 421 or contact us here   to arrange a confidential free consultation to discuss your options.

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