Summertime blues – it doesn’t have to be that way!
3rd September, 2016
Jonathan Flower, Partner and Head of Family law, looks at why the long summer holiday can cause issues in family life.
The common legend about matrimonial law is that Christmas excess creates a spike in new cases for Family lawyers in the New Year.
There is some truth in this, although it is probably as much about “easy media copy” as it is about statistical analysis.
In many ways, the long school summer holidays can create more of a high tide of family decisions.
For some, the family holiday may unfortunately be the final straw as people who are finding it difficult to get on with each other are forced to confront their problems during an extended time away together.
Add in the stress and organisation which family holidays inevitably bring and you can have a recipe for an unfortunately unhappy time that can be the catalyst for a break-up.
Even worse, we sadly hear of cases where family break-up has already happened but with the holiday long since booked, everyone struggles through a tortuous fortnight together.
However, whilst it is the case that family holidays can accelerate a break-up, they can also act as a prompt for more positive plans and action – fortunately, matrimonial law is about much more than horror stories of family turmoil.
Primarily, our business as family lawyers is about resolving difficult issues for families. Part of that process is providing sensible and sensitive advice in the event of family breakdown. However, more and more, it is about putting in place rather happier plans for the family’s future.
As well as a chance to relax, unwind and recharge the batteries, holidays are often a good time in which to take stock, assess and plan.
This is particularly the case for families who often find that the fast pace and demands for modern life leave precious little time in the normal course of events to take a long-term look at their situation.
For families with grown-up children, this could mean considering pre- and post-nuptial agreements, particularly in families with their own businesses or those which have relatively substantial assets.
Future plans could mean considering financial issues or major purchases with a new partner or, in the case of family businesses, introducing other family members to the business and how that could affect financial relationships within the family.
If there is a need for Family Law advice within your family, make sure that you seek structured, constructive advice that meets your family’s needs for the future.
* For more information on the issues raised by this article please contact Jonathan Flower.
Please note that this briefing is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.
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