Media

Divorce Aid in the media

Here are links to some of the articles which have appeared in the media about us. We also feature in many magazines and numerous websites. We have recently been mentioned by Sky Breakfast News, BBC News, national and local radio including the Today Programme. Fox News in America has also shown interest.

Daily Telegraph: Front page article
Today is the day when couples are most likely to have a row.

Daily Mail:
Why are we all arguing now?.

Financial Times:
Divorce brings home misery.

The Observer- Cash section:
Sorry I don't love you anymore but how can we afford a divorce?.

Daily Mail - Financial Mail Women's Forum: Breaking up (the finances) is hard to do.

Daily Telegraph Interview with Social Affairs Correspondent: Cost of divorce is keeping more couples together.

The Guardian
New rules mean that both sides will now be expected to cover their own legal costs, reducing the need to go to court.

The Times
A study by Divorce Aid.

BBC News Desk
We are contacted by the BBC Newsdesk and are often signposted from their main news features on divorce. Getting divorced can increase the chances of an individual falling deeper into debt.

Government and HM Courts
We are signposted from the main Directgov site and HM Courts.

Television
Divorce Aid was featured on BBC3 News and we often assist researchers and producers.

Interview with the Press Association: Excerpts from article circulted to approx 100 local newspapers: Divorce Dilemmas

DIVORCE DILEMMAS
By Lisa Haynes, PA Features
He changed the locks on their home, she threatened to begin a new life in America with their daughter, and he froze their joint bank account. The press may be having a field day over Paul McCartney and Heather Mills McCartney's ongoing split stories, but the reality is sure to be nothing but painful for the parting couple. Whatever facts stand up in court, it's evident that the Mills-McCartney divorce has become increasingly messy. After four years of marriage, the gloves are off. The estranged spouses are preparing for one of the costliest divorces of all time, hiring the same divorce lawyers as Prince Charles and Princess Diana to fight their corner. The high profile pair's multi-million pound dispute may not match up to the average couple's settlement, but conflict can be all too common when divorce is on the cards.

DIVORCE RIGHTS
The true cost of divorce isn't all about dividing assets - but it's important to know where you stand. Unfortunately, money is major factor for disagreement, according to Keenan. "Men in particular can feel aggrieved that the wife will get the larger share of the assets to house herself and the children, which can mean him not being able to get onto the property ladder for some time," he says. "When couples have average incomes and perhaps just a house and a few other assets, this can cause major headaches as there may not be enough to provide housing for both parties." The legalities of splitting assets during a divorce will depend on each individual situation. "The courts try and reach a position of equality but they also have to take into account the housing needs of the parties and their children, and their respective ability to earn income and raise capital," Keenan explains. "Obviously, if a mum has young children and only works part-time, she is going to get more of the assets than a father in full-time work."

COPING WITH DIVORCE
As Heather Mills McCartney has shown with her plummeting weight loss in recent weeks, women often struggle to cope with the pressures of divorce. "The emotional fallout is similar for both men and women - but more women often have to contend with reduced financial means as well as the day-to-day care of children," says Christina Tait, founder of Divorce Aid, an organisation that helps people through the divorce process. "Women can struggle both emotionally and financially and in recent surveys, lone women with children report their main problems as financial hardship and loneliness." Even when children have flown the nest, divorce can deal a bitter blow to self-confidence. "In later life, the woman who has devoted herself to her family and does not have a career of her own can find the prospect of divorce and retirement to be very daunting," Tait says.

RISING ABOVE DIVORCE
While some women gradually get out of bed feeling that a weight has been lifted from their shoulders following a split, for others, divorce can be devastating. "Get good legal advice and seek support from friends and family," Tait says. "Look after yourself - it is easy to forget to eat and sleep properly. Try to keep to a routine at home, especially if there are children, and don't become a social recluse. When you feel up to it, get out there again." Tait also advises using work as a way to escape your personal problems: "Keep your employer aware of your changing circumstances and when you need medical support, do visit your GP. Try not to involve work colleagues, instead see your place of work as a respite from your problems." So how long does the recovery from divorce take? Whether you're looking to embark on the dating market once again or unleash a brand new you, finding your single feet can take time. "The journey is different for each person," Tait says. "It could be months or years but it's a good sign when you start to think more about your future plans than things belonging to the past. "Look to building your self-confidence and other skills. New interests could mean a new set of friends. If you want to love again, try to meet people via your friends and interests but try not to be in a great hurry. You will know when you are ready."

AMICABLE SPLIT
Don't let your divorce get ugly. Tait has this advice on how to achieve an amicable split:

  • Plan ahead - read up on divorce law and see a family law solicitor to get preliminary advice about your rights and obligations.
  • Offer to attend counselling in order to bring the marriage to a peaceful closure. There can be many benefits when a couple try to talk things through in a professional and caring setting.
  • Prepare a short term plan - include finances and arrangements for children.
  • Take time and care to announce your decision to your spouse and then to the children. Call on family and friends afterwards for support.
  • Always try to keep talking with each other especially when children are involved. Keep discussions about finances and children separate. Be honest. Make allowances and try to agree as much as possible.



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