15 November 2019

Arti and Collette’s first child, Mona Lisa, enters a marriage at a very young age, which she regrets, and she is now looking to separate from her partner, Vincent.

Mona is unsure about how to obtain a divorce and the best course of action for her and her child, so she arranges an appointment with a member of the family team at BTO as she is aware that her parents instructed the firm previously and were happy with the service.

Mona’s friend, Freda, had told Mona that she would have to argue with Vincent in Court in order to obtain a divorce because this is what had happened when Freda got divorced last year. As a result, Mona is very concerned about the long term effect that the process will have on her relationship with Vincent and their ability to co-parent.

At her first meeting with Lesley Gordon, a solicitor in the family law team, Mona is reassured as there are several different methods of dispute resolution which range from kitchen table negotiation to court action. Mona feels relieved that the divorce process does not have to be acrimonious. The solicitors within the family law team at BTO are trained in a wide variety of Alternative Dispute Resolution methods which gives Mona a broad choice when she is considering how to proceed.

Mona Lisa and Vincent have one child together, Starry Night, and Mona is concerned about the future care arrangements for him. Mona is also concerned about how she and Vincent should divide their assets and liabilities between them. During the meeting, Lesley Gordon is able to explain each step of the process to Mona and they discuss various options in relation to the ongoing care arrangements for Starry Night. The concept of matrimonial property, the principles for financial provision and grounds for divorce are also explained to Mona. At the end of the meeting Mona feels much more confident in her position as she feels she now has an understanding of what is involved in the divorce process.

Contact: Lesley Gordon, Partner & Accredited Specialist in Family Law
E: lxg@bto.co.uk / T: 0131 222 2939 or visit www.btofamilylaw.co.uk