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New Year, new start?

Rebecca Baker

Back to work at last!  It is a relief to pack the tree away, all the chocolate is eaten and don’t even get me started on that Elf which, I am delighted to say, returned to the North Pole with the main man on Christmas Eve.

I love New Year. It feels like a clean slate. I am rarely upset when the festivities are over and do not mind admitting that there is some relief as I bid the young ones a fond farewell as they go back to school.

As a Family Solicitor, I know the annual media report will remind me of ‘Divorce Day’ when apparently divorce enquires spike.  The truth is my phone will start to ring in earnest.

I suppose January is a time for reflection for many and the stress of Christmas, fraught with family politics and overspending, may prove too much for those already struggling with their relationship. If you do find yourself in this difficult position, consider:-

  • Taking advice early

The legalities of separation and divorce can be daunting.  An initial consultation with a family solicitor can therefore be useful and reassuring, even if you are not yet ready to proceed.  Often it helps to identify if early action is needed, for instance protecting your interest in the family home.

  • Your communication with the other party

This is often so difficult and, sometimes, not even possible when domestic abuse is involved. However, if you can find common ground, it will likely mean lower legal fees and less acrimony longer term.  If you cannot yet talk face-to-face, use emails or text messages, although always consider how you would feel if your message was read by a Judge before you press send.

  • Avoid involving the children

The courts hold the position that children should not be overly involved in adult issues as this can be damaging.  In most cases, it is beneficial for children to have a relationship with both of their parents if it is safe for them to do so.

  • Seek support

The breakdown of a relationship can be isolating.  Friends and family can be helpful during this time, but sometimes they may worry about “taking sides”.  Counselling and local support groups can be a useful source of emotional support.

Get in touch

If you would like specialist advice on any family law related issue, please do contact me on 01924 291122 or email me at Rebecca.baker@catteralls.co.uk.

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Our highly skilled team of specialist solicitors have been established in the City of Wakefield for over 100 years.

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You can trust us to be in your corner, right when you need us.

Rachel SteadRachel Stead
13:19 26 Nov 23
Can’t recommend Catteralls enough. Eleanor, Claire and her team have just helped us with a recent house sale. They were quick and efficient with responses. Even with me ringing and emailing plenty (very annoying) but nothing was too much for them. They did all things on our side promptly and kept us in the loop at all times. Will be recommending them and using again in future if needed.Thanks so much.Rachel and Harry.
Russ TebayRuss Tebay
17:20 04 Nov 23
Good service at a reasonable price
Andrew ElsbyAndrew Elsby
07:30 16 Oct 23
Personal touch. Well organised and knowledgeable.
Allison RobinsonAllison Robinson
13:53 02 Oct 23
We used Catterall's for the sale of a property and had excellent service throughout. Everything was done promptly, efficiently and accurately. We had experienced lots of errors with a previous firm and saw a marked contrast in the quality of service and professionalism from Catteralls. Danielle and Sue were knowledgable and helpful and were able to answer questions about the errors from the purchase of the property with a different firm so that we could move forwards quickly with the sale. Prices were reasonable and competitive but I would choose the firm again regardless of price because of the experience. It is the second time we have used the firm (previously for a different purchase) and I can highly recommend them.
gedlainggedlaing
08:59 17 Sep 23
My wife and I engaged Catteralls Solicitors conveyancing services to both sell our old house and to buy our new house. We can thoroughly recommend their services in this regard. In particular we would like to give excellent feedback to Ms Eleanor Parkin, our Conveyancing Executive at Catteralls, who dealt with us throughout the buying and selling process. Some aspects of that process became problematic but Eleanor went above and beyond that which was expected of her and ensured that any problems were resolved effectively and efficiently to ensure a smooth completion. Our engagement with her was always friendly and professional and we would be happy to recommend her professional services to others. Thank you, Eleanor!
Caroline WilsonCaroline Wilson
13:13 25 Jul 23
Thank you Catteralls for helping us with our recent house sale!! I will certainly recommend you to family and friends.Catteralls would be the first solicitor I came to if I needed any help in the future! Thanks again for everything. Fantastic communication, making a hard time in our lives that much easier. I can not fault a thing.☺️
ChoozersChoozers
22:51 17 Jun 23
I've used these for the sale of a rental property and my will and am also currently using them for a purchase of a residential property. Used them because my usual solicitors let me down. I can't comment on price because I didn't really shop around. A family member recommended them, and they've been good for me so far. Here, I've never felt like I haven't been able to speak to someone when I've needed to and they've always been on hand to explain anything I didn't understand. So far so good.
Kevin SlatteryKevin Slattery
09:53 08 Jun 23
Jenny and her team, saved the day after our sale and purchase almost fell through due to the poor performance of our previous solicitor. She was responsive, highly efficient and keep us informed throughout the whole process. We would only use Catteralls for any future conveyancing requirements. Many thanks Jenny, Sarah and the rest of the team!
RachelRachel
14:24 09 Mar 23
Jess looked after my case. It was most helpful in that I was able to do everything via email, so all I had to do on the day was sign some paperwork, therefore only needing to make the one visit, which was perfect for me.Jess was efficient & organised and made the process a smooth one.Thanks Jess I appreciate all you did for me. 🙂
Aneka RandallAneka Randall
17:04 09 Dec 22
Paul and his team have worked on our sale and purchase. The team have all worked extremely hard, going above an beyond. Everyone in the chain has commented how efficient they have been. I will certainly recommend to family and friends and would be the first solicitor I came to if I needed any help in the future! Thanks again.
Jade NuttJade Nutt
20:07 02 Nov 22
Jenny and her team were brilliant with our house sale and purchase. They answered all our queries, made sure we understood everything and kept things moving along. We are very great full for your hard work! Thank you!
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