Family solicitors often see the emotional toll that separation and divorce can take on individuals, families, and especially children. It doesn’t have to be this way. With the right mindset, planning, and support, it is possible to divorce with kindness, dignity, and respect.
This week marks Good Divorce Week 2025, an annual campaign led by Resolution UK, a community of family justice professionals who believe in a constructive approach to family issues. “The Resolution Code” encourages respectful, child-focused, and amicable separation. It’s a timely reminder that how we divorce matters.
Planning ahead
One of the most effective ways to ensure a better divorce is to plan ahead. Pre- and post-nuptial agreements are not about expecting a relationship to fail. Instead, they are about creating clarity and protecting both parties, especially when business interests or children are involved.
These agreements:
- Set clear expectations.
- Reduce uncertainty and potential conflict.
- Protect assets and business interests.
Importantly, they should be reviewed regularly throughout the marriage, especially after major life changes such as the birth of children, inheritances, or business growth. This ongoing dialogue promotes transparency and trust at an early stage in a relationship giving opportunities for couples be become more aligned in their approach to their finances throughout the course of their relationship. With money being one of the biggest reasons for relationship breakdown, having these conversations could help avoid relationship breakdown altogether. If it does happen, however, having a properly drafted nuptial agreement will significantly reduce scope for disagreement at a later stage.
Why a “good” divorce matters
When a marriage breaks down, emotions can run high. But choosing kindness can make a significant difference:
- Mental health: A kinder approach reduces stress, anxiety, and emotional trauma.
- Children: They thrive in environments free from conflict and tension.
- Cost: Less acrimony means fewer legal fees and a faster resolution.
Acrimonious divorces can have long-lasting effects on family dynamics and financial stability. Choosing to divorce well is not just a moral choice; it’s a practical one.
Alternative dispute resolution: A kinder path
There are several ways to resolve disputes without going to court:
- Mediation: A neutral third party helps couples reach agreement.
- Collaborative law: Each party has a solicitor, and all commit to resolving issues without litigation.
- Resolution Together: A newer model where separating couples work with one solicitor jointly. I am trained in this approach, which is cost-effective, transparent, and respectful.
- Early neutral evaluation where a family law expert is asked to review a case and give a non-binding assessment of the likely outcome.
These and other methods including arbitration and private Financial Dispute Resolution (pFDRs) align with the Resolution Code of Practice and promote constructive communication, realistic expectations, and child-focused outcomes. They are more cost effective and much quicker than engaging in the court process.
Support beyond legal advice
Divorce is a form of grief. People often move through stages such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Unmanaged emotions can fuel conflict and increase costs.
That’s why holistic support is essential:
- Counselling: Builds emotional resilience.
- Divorce coaches: Provide practical and emotional guidance.
- Financial advisors: Help plan for a stable future.
- Parenting coordinators: Support co-parenting arrangements.
Being kind to yourself and your former partner means seeking the right support to navigate the emotional journey of separation.
Conclusion
A Good Divorce is not just possible it’s powerful. By planning ahead, choosing alternative dispute resolution, and seeking holistic support, couples can protect their wellbeing, their children, and their finances, improving their experience of relationship breakdown.
How can we help?
Emma Davies is a Partner in our Family Law team, which is ranked in Tier One in the independently researched publication, The Legal 500.
Emma specialises in divorce and financial settlements, which involve complex issues and substantial assets. She also advises on pre- and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements and separation agreements, along with private law Children Act disputes. Emma is a qualified collaborative law and Resolution Together practitioner.
If you need further advice on the subjects discussed above, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss your circumstances in more detail and give you more information about the services that our family law solicitors can provide, along with details of our hourly rates and fixed fee services.
For more information or advice, please call Emma or another member of our team in Derby, Leicester or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or contact us via our online form.
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