Separating in Lockdown
Scotland will shortly be approaching one whole year of government imposed lockdown measures in an attempt to combat the spread and impact of Covid-19. I think we are all keeping our fingers tightly crossed and hoping that better things are to come in 2021! I don’t think anyone would have imagined that one year down the line we’d be where we are. The past year has been, without a doubt, extremely challenging for everyone.
The impact of lockdown restrictions, whether social or financial, has undoubtedly had an impact on many relationships and marriages and possibly magnified difficulties. This is perhaps one of the casualties of government restrictions that people don’t realise or that we commonly hear about in the media.
People may feel at the moment, with what’s going on in the world, that the professional support and help is not available to be able to deal with these difficulties and make the situation better. I’m delighted to say that the professional help and support is absolutely available!
Whether recently separated or thinking of separating, getting legal advice and support early can be crucial. It can determine the difference between an amicable separation and an acrimonious fraught situation. Even if someone just wants to be armed with information or to discuss matters through I would encourage anyone to get in touch. There is no such thing as a ‘silly question’ or ‘small matter’.
The right legal path to sorting matters out has never been so important. With all the anxieties and stresses of Covid-19 and lockdown to contend with, choosing the correct legal route for the individual can make all the difference. We’re lucky that in Dumfries & Galloway there are lots of firms locally who promote a collaborative based approach to resolving matters which focuses on keeping matters away from court.
No matter what stage a separation is at, we’re on hand to help and happy to discuss:
- Collaborative process
- Mediation
- 4-way solicitor/client meetings
- Letter based negotiations
- Court based resolution
It is not a one option fits all! The legal paths available for clients really does depend on the client’s particular circumstances. Entering court litigation has never a first option but with the significant pressures on the courts at the moment, it has never been so important to look at alternative dispute resolution and how that can work. I have always promoted alternative dispute resolution as I firmly believe that clients making the decisions for themselves, and their families, is by far the preferred scenario. There are a great team of local lawyers similarly minded which is just fantastic, especially in these uncertain times.
Lynn L McMurchie
Partner