Page 31 - WMPF Federation Dec2018-flip_Neat

Things to think about if you are

considering a divorce in the New Year

By Lorraine Harvey, When can I get a divorce? claiming against the value of your pension at
principal lawyer in family Some people assume that they will not be the time of divorce, rather than its value at
law at Slater and Gordon able to divorce immediately, as there has the time of your separation, i.e. a claim to
been no particular reason for the breakdown more of your pension. For example, we acted
anuary is a time for of the marriage. Some people think that for an officer who separated from his wife,
making resolutions. It there has to have been an affair, or particular but waited 13 years before dealing with his
Jmight be deciding it’s incident, to be able to start a divorce straight finances on separation. His wife might have
time to kick a bad habit or away, but this isn’t the case. achieved a 14 per cent share of his pension 13
get fit. But sometimes the beginning of a If you have felt unsupported by your years ago, but had an argument for an
new year will be a point when you consider a spouse, or feel that the two of you no longer increased share of some 32 per cent, 13 years
change that will have a big impact on your make the effort to spend time together later.
life. What if that change is ending your around your shifts etc, you could rely on this What about the children?
marriage? Here are a few things to think to prove to a court that the marriage is over. If you have children, you will need to try to
about if divorce is on your mind in the New When should I make the decision? agree an arrangement for them with your
Year. If you have decided that you do want to go spouse, if you separate. The court is
Is it really over? ahead with a divorce, we generally advise concerned with the welfare of the child in
If you decide to go ahead with a divorce, you that you speak to a family lawyer sooner respect of any arrangements made. Parents
need to be sure that there is definitely no rather than later to ensure you are as are encouraged to agree a routine of care
chance that the marriage can be saved. informed as possible. Often the first question which is in a child’s best interests.
The Christmas period can be both a joyful we are asked is how an officer can try to You may find it difficult to reach an
and difficult time of year. It may have been protect their police pension and taking action agreement with your spouse, or perhaps your
challenging for you if you have been on duty at the earliest opportunity can be very complicated shift pattern is making it difficult
and this has caused a strain between you and important. to set out a regular routine. If this is the case,
your spouse. A spouse has a claim to an ex-partner’s then you should seek legal advice and a
A tough Christmas does not have to spell income, capital and pensions on divorce and referral to mediation can be considered.
the end of a marriage and you and your these will be based on their financial If you would like specialist advice from a
spouse may be able to work through this situation at the time of divorce and not family lawyer then please contact Slater and
w
together, or with the support of family and necessarily at the time of separation. Gordon on 0808 175 7710 and we’ll be happy
friends, or counselling services, such as Relate. §Your spouse is likely to be successful in to help.

ARREN & CO

(Complete Financial Solutions) Ltd

Offering FREE Independent Mortgage Advice

We hold Mortgage Surgeries at the following locations

Bloxwich, Bournville, Brierley Hill, Coventry, Lloyd House,

Perry Barr, Sheldon, Stechford, West Bromwich, Wolverhampton

As part of our commitment to your Federation
we offer appointments to suit you

For further information contact the Federation office on
0121 752 4900
0121 700 1200

or
Call Warren & Co to find out the dates for each location

01452 547783

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home
www.polfed.org/westmids federation December 2018/January 2019 31
Warren & Co are a Member Service therefore there will be no charge for administering your mortgage.