Choosing to separate from a partner is one of the most emotionally and practically challenging times of your life. While few would wish for a separation, sometimes this is truly the healthiest path for you and your partner to take and can end in both of you being happier in the long run.
However, when it comes to the short term, you may struggle to know what to do or what not to do for the best. Here, we will examine some things that you should not do during a separation – actions which will make the process much harder and more complicated. Read on to find out more, and how Linda Emery can help.
Don’t Advertise Your Separation
When you are experiencing a separation, you may wish to reach out to friends and family for support. While this is natural and healthy, you should avoid talking about your separation on social media, or discussing it with people you don’t know well.
Don’t Avoid Seeking Legal Counsel
While you may be concerned about the expense and difficulty of seeking legal advice, it is important to do this as soon as you feel able to. Obtaining legal advice on your entitlements in a property matter or parenting issues is important to know how to progress. Linda Emery can refer you to mediation to try & resolve any issues. Discussing this in a calm fashion with someone who is aware of the legal side of things is a good idea for both you and your former partner, and could help you decide what you wish to do next.
Don’t Spend A Lot Of Money
A separation is certainly going to have a profound impact on you emotionally, and it may be tempting to splurge on luxury items. You should think carefully before making any major purchases, as this could seem suspicious to your former partner when it comes to dividing your assets. Not only this, but making big financial decisions during such an emotionally fraught time is generally not advised.
Don’t Keep Your Partner From Seeing Your Children
Do you have children? You must try and put them first and remember that they do not have autonomy in this situation. While tensions may be running high, it is important to remember what is best for your children. As such, you should avoid preventing your former partner from seeing your children during this time unless in the instance of abuse or neglect. Remember that you may need to create a successful co-parenting relationship after your separation, and it is best to start now. Obtain legal advice to assist you with how to progress.
Don’t Separate Before Having A Discussion
Of course, there are some situations where you will need to leave your relationship quickly – for example, if your relationship is abusive and you feel unsafe. However, if the breakdown of your relationship does not fall within these parameters, it is important to have a full discussion with your partner before you separate. You should keep an open line of communication prior to, during, and after your separation in order to reduce the amount of bad blood between yourself and your partner. This will also make any subsequent divorce proceedings less upsetting. Obtaining legal advice at the first opportunity will keep you in this process.
Contact Linda Emery
A separation is a difficult time for any couple, and can be especially challenging if you have children. At Linda Emery & Associates, we are aware that navigating a relationship breakdown and deciding what to do next can be extremely difficult, and we are here to help. Get in touch with Linda Emery for legal advice so you know your rights and make referrals to mediation or counselling where necessary. Let us know how we can support you and guide you and your family through this time. At Linda Emery & Associates, we’re so much more than just law.
