30th September 2026
For many families, the summer holidays offer a welcome break from the usual routine. Longer days, family time and holidays away can provide valuable opportunities to reconnect. Equally, when families spend more time together, underlying difficulties within a relationship can become harder to overlook.
As September arrives and children return to school, many people find themselves reflecting on the future of their relationship. Some may be considering separation or divorce, while others simply want to understand their options before deciding what comes next.
Sarah Johnson, Solicitor in the Family Law team at Myers & Co, answers some of the questions people commonly ask when they begin thinking about separation or divorce. From understanding the divorce process to considering arrangements for children and finances, this guide explains what you need to know if you’re looking for clarity about the future.
Many people worry that contacting a solicitor means they have already made up their mind about ending their marriage.
In reality, seeking legal advice is often the first step towards understanding your position, rather than committing to a particular course of action.
A conversation with a family solicitor can help you understand:
Having a clearer understanding of your rights and responsibilities can often make a difficult and uncertain situation feel more manageable.
The introduction of no-fault divorce has simplified the legal process for many couples.
Under the current law, neither spouse needs to blame the other for the breakdown of the marriage. Instead, the couple, or one party acting alone, simply confirms that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.
Removing the need to apportion blame has helped many families focus on the practical issues that need addressing, including finances, living arrangements and the welfare of any children involved.
Although the legal process itself is generally more straightforward than it once was, every family’s circumstances are different. Early legal advice can help you understand how the process may apply to your specific situation and identify any issues that may need careful consideration.
For many parents, concerns about their children are often the most important consideration.
Questions about where children will live, how much time they will spend with each parent and how key decisions will be made can feel overwhelming, particularly during the early stages of a separation.
The law places a child’s welfare at the centre of any decisions affecting them. Wherever possible, parents are encouraged to work together to reach arrangements that support their child’s wellbeing and allow them to maintain positive relationships with both parents where appropriate.
Every family is different, which means there is no standard solution that works for everyone.
Many parents are able to reach agreements through discussion, negotiation or mediation. Where difficulties arise, legal advice can help identify practical solutions and reduce the risk of matters escalating unnecessarily.
For families whose children are settling into a new school year, September often feels like a natural point to begin planning for the future and establishing longer-term arrangements.
One of the most common misconceptions about divorce is that it always results in a court battle.
In reality, many separating couples resolve issues without attending a court hearing.
There are a number of ways disagreements can be addressed, including:
These approaches can often help families reach agreements constructively while reducing stress, costs and conflict.
Court proceedings may still be necessary in some cases, particularly where there are significant disputes relating to finances or children. However, court is rarely the starting point, and exploring alternative options at an early stage can often be beneficial.
Even where a separation is amicable, financial matters often require careful consideration.
You may need to think about:
Gathering information about your finances as early as possible can make future discussions more productive and help avoid unnecessary delays.
Many people underestimate how closely intertwined family finances can become over the course of a marriage. Taking advice before making significant financial decisions can help protect your position and provide greater certainty about the options available to you.
There is rarely a perfect moment to seek legal advice.
Some people contact a solicitor once they have decided to separate. Others simply want to understand their rights, responsibilities and available options before making any decisions.
If the summer holidays have left you questioning whether your relationship can continue, seeking advice can provide clarity and reassurance without placing you under any obligation to proceed with a divorce.
Understanding your position now can help you make informed decisions about the future when the time is right for you.
Making decisions about your future following a relationship breakdown is rarely easy. Questions about your home, finances and children can feel overwhelming, particularly when emotions are understandably running high.
At Myers & Co, we understand that every family is different. Sarah Johnson and our experienced Family Law team provide clear, practical advice tailored to your individual circumstances, helping you understand your options and make informed decisions about the next steps.
Whether you are considering separation, exploring mediation or ready to begin divorce proceedings, we can support you at every stage of the process.
Give us a call, or make an enquiry to find out how we can help.
