Easing the stress of a split with new Divorce in a Box

A NEW approach to help married couples split without the need for protracted and embittered divorce proceedings is being launched by a group of law firms.

For the first time, West Kent and East Sussex Collaborative Law Group is offering a Divorce in a Box to clients.

The boxes, which are the idea of marketing expert Suzy Miller, aim to provide couples with essential information and advice to help them get through the painful process with the minimum of fuss. It could also save them expensive court costs.

Each contains relevant leaflets, DVDs and audio, plus a number of vouchers from participating professionals from the area entitling holders to free consultations or services.

They also contain advice from independent financial advisers, pension specialists and accountants.

A dozen law firms throughout the area are taking part in the initiative, including Tunbridge Wells law firm Thomson Snell and Passmore, Buss Murton LLP and Warners.

Kirstie Law, the chairman of the group, said: "Divorce doesn't have to be acrimonious, which is often harmful to children, the rest of the family and, of course, the couple involved.

"We have found that if we can work in collaboration with other firms to discuss the family's future in a constructive way we can avoid a lot of the acrimony that can result from contested court proceedings.

"Quite often, we can even improve the couple's relationship and help them to rebuild their lives."

Ms Law explained there is currently a big push towards mediation in certain sectors of the law but, while this is to be welcomed, mediators cannot give advice.

Collaborative lawyers, on the other hand, can.

At the start of the process, both parties appoint their own collaborative lawyer and they all work together through a series of meetings to find an amicable solution without having to set foot inside a court.

Ms Law added: "Divorce in a Box simply provides information for the couple to use prior to and between these meetings."

Traditionally January is a busy time of the year for family lawyers and each one of the firms taking part in this scheme is offering a free package this month.

"We hope that by offering a box in January, people will be able to obtain the information and advice they need to make the process easier as well as cheaper," said Ms Law.

From February the boxes will cost about £40.

A full list of the solicitors and other partners taking part can be found by visiting www.resolution.org.uk/West_Kent__East_Sussex