Viva Lewes Issue #148 January 2019

So the Christmas tree is looking a bit sad, you can’t face
another turkey inspired leftover dish or just one more
mince pie! Me neither. But a new year beckons and with it
new possibilities and a renewed sense of energy.
JO O’SULLIVAN
You may have heard that January the 8th is D Day – the
day of the year when more people consult a lawyer about
a divorce than any other. I am not sure that this is always
my experience. People come to see me all year around.
However, the festive period and in my experience, any
holiday period, can bring with it the realisation that a relationship no longer works.
The number of queries from people worried about their civil partnership or marriage
tends to be higher after the holidays.
My role is to help couples divorce or separate in as ‘good’ a way as possible. I call
this a ‘good divorce’. The truth is that this never a ‘good’ time for couples; but I try to
make it as ‘good’ as it can be.
Working collaboratively with other divorce lawyers and family consultants really
helps. This avoids the ongoing acrimony experienced by couples using the more
traditional, letter writing, process. We share feelings and help with emotions as well
as resolve any legal issues. It’s not as ‘touchy
feely’ as it sounds, it is hard work. But couples
that are willing to try this route have very high
satisfaction and success rates.
As for D Day, I am not so sure. I am though very
sure that the processes I specialise in can really
help create as good a divorce as possible.
Please call to discuss what might be the best
process for you on 07780676212 or email
jo@osullivanfamilylaw.com
For more details about how I work visit
www.osullivanfamilylaw.com
I am an accredited family mediator and a nationally recognised expert family
law solicitor specialising in mediation and collaborative practice. Contact me
and we can arrange to meet in Lewes at Westgate Chapel, 92a High Street.