Unfortunately, not everyone has a close, reliable network of family and friends to help them, which may mean that professional counselling and/or an experienced family lawyer with a holistic approach are needed.

Such specialists are only too aware that there is more to many divorces than the financial side of things – and usually more to consider than the division of assets. They also understand the emotional toll a split brings and the many feelings it can generate.

At Jones Myers we will suggest support – whether from an objective, sympathetic family member, friend or an accredited counsellor or relationship coach – if we feel it will help families to cope with a marriage break and ensure that the children are put first and retain healthy relationships with both mum and dad.

The benefits of counselling include reducing stress and legal costs by helping couples to avoid conflict and courtroom battles when resolving often sensitive issues, such as children, money and who remains in the family home.

Collaborative lawyers can also signpost separating couples to alternative methods to litigation such as mediation, arbitration and collaboration. Each is designed to make the process as quick and painless as possible, lessening costs and emotional expenditure for increased wellbeing.

With divorce being acknowledged as one of the most stressful life experiences, it is very important that you look after yourself  so that you are best-equipped to cope and move on.

Ensure that you get enough sleep, eat well and do not rely on alcohol to help get through it. Exercise is also important, for both a physical and psychological lift, while staying socially active is key to ward off isolation and depression.

You might also see if alternative therapies – e.g. massage, acupuncture or osteopathy – can ease tension and iron out niggling aches and pains.

In the same way as Drew Barrymore was advised to ‘put one foot in front of the other’ – advice she described as “physically productive and life-choice productive” – it is vital to nurture your physical and mental well-being as you map out the next stage of your life’s journey.

If you have any comments, queries or concerns on wider divorce related issues, leave a comment below, call the Jones Myers team on 0113 246 0055 or tweet us on @helpwithdivorce.

The post Why support and good advice are vital when divorcing appeared first on Jones Myers.

Academic tests, grades and public examinations are great levellers and most young people take these rites of passage in their stride when support and understanding is provided.

When emotions are running high because mum and dad are in conflict – as sometimes happens in separation and divorce – the teenage voice can often be drowned. The recent example of the fractured relationship between Chris Huhne and his youngest son illustrates the impact on all parties when the hurt and anger a young adult felt towards his father was unleashed for public consumption.

A parental split is a life changing event for everyone concerned but it need not be an emotionally damaging one for teenagers and young adults. Family lawyers adopting a holistic approach will recognise when extra help and support would help a teenager to manage their feelings during a parental break up.

Putting the needs of children first can involve working collaboratively with counsellors, social workers and other family professionals to help the couple manage their differences in a non-confrontational way so that teens can maintain a positive relationship with both parents.

Appearances can be deceptive – teenagers may look like the young adults they are but they will feel powerless when everything they have ever known and trusted in their home life appears to be in flux.

Here are some tips to help your teenager through this difficult time.

• Keep a lid on your disagreements with each other – your teenager needs a loving relationship with both parents after a split so don’t invite them to take sides.
• Understand that your teenager may feel anger, hurt and guilt – children often believe they are the cause of a break up and may need extra reassurance.
• Give them the space, the time and a listening ear to express their feelings – some may find it easier to talk to extended family members, friends or professionals.
• Don’t make them your new best friend – they are and always will be your children, no matter how old they are.
• Keeping your divorce as amicable as possible provides a role model for your child and will help them adjust and manage the new situation.
• Don’t stop being a caring parent – your teenager needs to know that in all the emotional upheaval, they still matter to both mum and dad.

Do you have any other tips to help children during their exam times? Leave your comment below, tweet us @HelpWithDivorce or send us an e-mail.

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