Mercedes King Jones: Why I like working with divorce coaches…

Divorce is a complex, stressful and often highly emotional time for everyone involved and I am increasingly seeing the advantages of working more closely with a divorce coach. I find my clients benefit from a wider team of professionals supporting them through the process.

What is a divorce coach

Divorce coaches are professionals who provide counselling, emotional support and guidance to anyone going through a divorce or separation or thinking about doing so. They do not give legal advice, but they are an impartial third party, able to offer an objective perspective and bridge the gap between the legal issues and the emotional impact the process can have upon those involved.

What support does a divorce coach give?

A good divorce coach will be able to support my clients through the emotional rollercoaster and practical challenges they will face during the divorce process. They can help to separate out the legal issues from the emotional ones and help my clients deal with the stress and anxiety of a difficult breakup and advise them on effective coping strategies.

How do we work together?

Although I take great care to deliver my advice in a kind and compassionate way, a divorce coach can help my clients to imagine a life beyond divorce and separation. As a family law solicitor, I focus on giving clear, practical, honest, jargon free legal advice. I support my clients through the legal process to help them make informed decisions and achieve an outcome which is realistic, fair and will secure their future.

This collaborative approach gives my clients back some control over the process which can at times feel very overwhelming. In separating out the legal and emotional issues, it helps to ensure that the work I do for my

clients is focussed and cost effective. With a full understanding of the divorce process and a clear strategy about what it is they wish to achieve, my clients can face the future with confidence and resilience, armed with legal advice and emotional and practical support.

Why do I need a solicitor AND a divorce coach?

It is always better to reach an agreement if possible and as family lawyers, we advise on the approach of the court and deal with financial negotiations on behalf of our clients. A divorce coach can help to minimise conflict and acrimony, and so together, we can ensure that we achieve the fairest outcome for our clients whilst supporting and empowering them throughout the process.

Any agreement which a couple are able to reach can only become legally binding if approved by a court. I can advise on drafting the agreement into a legally binding document known as a Consent Order and can arrange to send that document to the Court for approval. If the agreement includes a clean break and/or a pension sharing order, then a final sealed approved Court Order will be necessary.

Together with my team at Denney King, I can assist with all of the legal aspects of the divorce process and I am happy to work alongside a divorce coach (and frequently recommend that my clients consider working with one). By adopting this approach, at Denney King we aim to help reduce the stress and uncertainty of the divorce process, while providing a more efficient and cost effective approach to achieving a settlement. Our aim is that, once the divorce has been finalised, our clients will continue their journey and to start a new chapter in their lives.

If you would like to discuss this with myself or my team in any more detail or if you are a divorce coach who would like to discuss working with us, please feel free to get in touch with Holly and I on 01386 764728 or email us on mercedes@denneyking.co.uk & holly@denneyking.co.uk.

 

 

 

 

Mercedes King-Jones