Last updated on August 18th, 2015 at 12:40 pm
Unfortunately the popular Christmas image of relaxed, happy families enjoying time with family and friends, surrounded by the usual trimmings isn’t one experienced by everyone. The pressure to have fun, socialise, entertain and be generous can be impossible to live up to and unrealistically high expectations on everyone’s part can cause stress and anxiety.
Most couples spend more time together at Christmas than usual. It is often a time when they reflect on relationships and realise they just don’t get on any more. Purse strings are stretched further than usual and financial difficulties, especially during the current economic climate, are often at a peak. The onslaught of extended family sometimes doesn’t help either; full of peace and joy they may be, but they can add to the tension. The bubble bursts and ‘gritting teeth’ and ‘getting on’ (particularly for the sake of the children) over Christmas simply doesn’t work any longer.
Regrettably, domestic violence doesn’t really show any reverence to the festive season either. Statistically, ‘reports’ of domestic violence reduce over Christmas (possibly women trying to hold things together during the holiday), but the problem remains as serious as always, perhaps exacerbated by the increase in the liquid version of Christmas ‘spirit’.
Christmas often highlights the difference between aspirations for a happy family life and reality. The pressure and responsibility of caring for children without support comes into focus and the need for positive change often becomes clear. So as January returns and the kids go back to school, reflecting on the previous year and seeing no light at the end of the tunnel often leads to new year resolutions of a ‘new year, new life, new me’ and many couples feel it is time to think about themselves and their children and pursue a divorce.
Graysons WE’s specialist family and children lawyers can help you to divorce or separate in a way which fits your own particular needs. We have a range of packages from fixed fee divorces to advice for divorcing professionals, all aimed at helping with issues relating to matters such as children, finances, family business issues and domestic abuse. Please contact us now to arrange a confidential meeting to discuss your options. We are here to help.
For better, for worse… off
Especially for the likes of Paul McCartney, who without a prenup paid ex wife Heather Mills around £24 million after just 4 years married. Most family lawyers think she would have got more if a lawyer had conducted the case rather than herself.
Graysons WE says ‘A drop in the ocean for Sir Paul maybe, but prenups are now a popular way of protecting pre-marital assets. Whilst not legally binding in UK at present, prenuptial agreements are usually accepted by the courts as proof of intention should a couple divorce. Indeed the Law Commission looks set to give prenups a green light following a recent landmark case, Radmacher v Granatino in which the UK Supreme Court accepted their prenup—which was written in Germany—as evidence of their intentions.
No one wants to think that their marriage will end, but when ‘I do‘ turns into ’I don‘t‘, prenups are an open and honest way of sorting out financial issues without turning an already difficult time into a nightmare.
Graysons family law specialists can tailor prenups to meet individual requirements, dealing with possessions from substantial property to Grandad‘s rocking chair. They are a particularly useful way of protecting future inheritance, family assets and businesses. But are prenups only for the rich and famous? No, we have drawn up agreements to protect fairly modest property brought into a marriage from claims and having seen the stress and costs of such claims, especially when one party has children from a previous relationship, we can‘t over-estimate their value. Of course it is the end of celebrity fairy tales we all read about, and that does give us a fascinating insight into how prenups can affect you ‘for richer or for poorer‘.”
For richer…
Nicole Kidman‘s husband will get $640k for each year of marriage unless he uses illegal drugs, then he‘ll get nothing; Britney Spears paid ex hubby Kevin just $1 million thanks to a watertight prenup. The list goes on and in the US terms get stranger from season tickets to plastic surgery budgets!.
For poorer…
With no prenups, Reese Witherspoon, earning $15 million a film split her fortune 50/50 with her lower earning husband; Rosanne Barr lost $50 million after ignoring lawyers‘ advice to sign a prenup; Madonna paid Guy Richie around $90 million and John Cleese said he would have to take to the road again at the age of 70 to pay his ex-wife her maintenance in a one man show he has called Alimony Tour Year One!
And finally…
Take heed from Steven Spielberg‘s ‘close encounter‘ with prenups. His wife walked away with $100 million after a judge disregarded their prenuptial agreement because it was written on a paper napkin!
For a properly drafted prenuptial agreement, written by a knowledgeable lawyer – on paper – please contact us now. Read more about prenups by clicking here
