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Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ first budget: New policies to boost UK economy

Posted on 31 October 202428 March 2025 by Sophie Soraf

“Our mission to grow the economy”

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, delivered the Labour government’s first Budget on 30 October with a promise to “restore economic stability” and “invest, invest, invest” to promote growth. In her statement, she outlined a number of new tax and spending measures that she said would create “an economy that is growing, creating wealth and opportunity for all.” In total, the Budget will see taxes rise by £40bn.

Economic forecasts

The Chancellor stressed that every Budget she delivers “will be focused on our mission to grow the economy” and outlined seven pillars that will form the government’s growth policy priorities. Key among these is restoring economic stability and increasing investment, while other areas include boosting regional growth, improving skills across the workforce, creating an industrial strategy, driving innovation and transitioning to Net Zero.

Ms Reeves then unveiled the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR’s) latest economic projections, which suggest the economy will expand slightly faster than previously expected both this year and next, before easing off from 2026 onwards. The new forecast predicts the economy will grow by 1.1% in 2024 and 2.0% next year, before falling back to 1.6% by the end of this Parliament. Overall, the OBR noted that, although the policies in the Budget will ‘temporarily boost’ the economy, the overall level of output will be ‘broadly unchanged’ over the five-year forecast period. Inflation is predicted to average 2.5% this year and 2.6% in 2025.

Cost-of-living measures

The Chancellor acknowledged the burden that the cost-of-living crisis has placed on working people, and committed to:

Increasing the National Living Wage (NLW) from £11.44 to £12.21 per hour from April 2025 – a 6.7% increase
Increasing the minimum for 18 to 20-year-olds from £8.60 to £10 per hour (over time, the intention is to create a single adult NLW rate)
Freezing fuel duty for one year and extending the temporary 5p cut to 22 March 2026
Increasing the weekly earnings limit for Carer’s Allowance to equate to 16 hours at the NLW rate
Providing £1bn for local authorities to support those in immediate hardship and crisis.

Personal taxation, savings and pensions

As pledged in the Labour manifesto, there are to be no changes to the basic, higher or additional rates of Income Tax, employee National Insurance contributions (NICs) or VAT.

As previously announced, the government has committed to maintain the State Pension Triple Lock for the duration of this Parliament, meaning that the basic and new State Pensions will increase by 4.1% in 2025-26, in line with earnings growth. This means £230.30 a week for the full, new flat-rate State Pension (for those who reached State Pension age after April 2016) and £176.45 a week for the full, old basic State Pension (for those who reached State Pension age before April 2016).

The lower and higher main rates of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) will increase to 18% and 24% respectively for disposals made on or after 30 October 2024. The rate for Business Asset Disposal Relief and Investors’ Relief will increase to 14% from 6 April 2025 and then to 18% from 6 April 2026. The lifetime limit for Investors’ Relief will be reduced to £1m for all qualifying disposals made on or after 30 October 2024, matching the lifetime limit for Business Asset Disposal Relief.

Inheritance Tax (IHT) nil-rate bands will stay at current levels until 5 April 2030 (previously 2028). The nil-rate band remains at £325,000, residence nil-rate band at £175,000, and the residence nil-rate band taper starts at £2m. Unused pension funds and death benefits payable from a pension will be subject to IHT from 6 April 2027.

The government intends to reform Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief from 6 April 2026. In addition to existing nil-rate bands and exemptions, the current 100% rates of relief will continue for the first £1m of combined agricultural and business property. Thereafter, the rate of relief will be 50%, including for quoted shares which are ‘not listed’ on the markets of recognised stock exchanges, such as AIM. From 6 April 2025, Agricultural Property Relief will be extended to land managed under an environmental agreement with, or on behalf of, the UK government, devolved governments, public bodies, local authorities, or approved responsible bodies.

The concept of domicile status is to be removed from the tax system and replaced with a residence-based regime from 6 April 2025. This includes ending the use of offshore trusts to shelter assets from IHT and scrapping the planned 50% tax reduction for foreign income in the first year of the new regime. Individuals who opt in to the regime will not pay UK tax on foreign income and gains (FIG) for the first four years of tax residence.

In England, higher rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) which apply to purchases of second homes, buy-to-let residential properties and companies purchasing residential property, increase from 3% to 5% above the standard residential rates, effective 31 October 2024. The single rate of SDLT that is charged on the purchase of dwellings costing more than £500,000 by corporate bodies will also be increased by two percentage points, from 15% to 17%.

In addition:

Annual subscription limits will remain at £20,000 for ISAs, £4,000 for Lifetime ISAs and £9,000 for Junior ISAs and Child Trust Funds until 5 April 2030. The government will not proceed with the British ISA due to mixed responses to the consultation launched in March 2024
The Enterprise Investment Scheme and Venture Capital Trust schemes are extended to 2035
The Income Tax Personal Allowance and higher rate threshold remain at £12,570 and £50,270 respectively until April 2028. From April 2028, these personal tax thresholds will be uprated in line with inflation (rates and thresholds may differ for taxpayers in parts of the UK where Income Tax is devolved)
Working age benefits will be uprated in full in 2025-26 by the September 2024 Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rate of 1.7%
The starting rate for savings will be retained at £5,000 for 2025-26.

Business measures

In her speech, Ms Reeves said, “we are asking businesses to contribute more” to raise revenues required to fund public services. She added, “I do not take this decision lightly,” before announcing:

An increase in employers’ National Insurance Contributions (NICs) by 1.2 percentage points to 15% from April 2025
A reduction of the secondary threshold from £9,100 per year to £5,000 per year
An increase to the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500
The introduction of two permanently lower business rates for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses from 2026-27, funded by a higher multiplier for the most valuable properties
£1.9bn of support to small business and the high street in the form of a freeze on the small business multiplier and 40% rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure properties (capped at £110,000)
£250m in funding for the British Business Bank’s small business loans programmes
The headline rate of Corporation Tax will be capped at 25%.

Health and education

To round off her inaugural Budget, Ms Reeves turned her attention to “two final areas in which investment is so badly needed to repair the fabric of our nation.”

As indicated in the Party’s election manifesto, the Chancellor confirmed plans to introduce VAT on private school fees (except for children below compulsory school age) from January 2025, and to remove private schools’ business rates relief from April 2025.

Funding for the state school system is set to increase by £11.2bn from 2023-2024 levels – a 3.5% real terms increase. This includes:

Increasing funding for day-to-day school spending by £2.3bn, £1bn of which is earmarked for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
£1.8bn to continue the expansion of government-funded childcare
£30m to fund thousands more breakfast clubs in primary schools
Investing in new teachers for core subjects
£300m for further education.

Ms Reeves also announced a £6.7bn capital funding package for education in England in 2025-26, a real terms increase of 19% from 2024-25, including £1.4bn towards rebuilding over 500 schools in the greatest need.

Lastly, the Chancellor tackled her plans for the National Health Service, announcing:

A 10-year plan for the NHS, to be published in the spring
A £22.6bn increase in the day-to-day health budget to deliver on the government’s 18-week waiting time target
£3.1bn increase in the capital budget over this year and the next.

Other key points

Help to Save scheme – extended until April 2027
Alcohol duty – tax on non-draught alcoholic drinks to increase by the usually higher RPI measure of inflation, tax on draught drinks cut by 1.7%
Vaping products duty – new tax of £2.20 per 10ml of vaping liquid introduced from October 2026
Tobacco duty – to increase by 2% above RPI on all tobacco products and 10% above inflation for hand-rolling tobacco with immediate effect
Bus fares – £2 cap on single fares in England to rise to £3 from January 2025
Clean energy sector – £3.9bn of funding in 2025-26
Air Passenger Duty (APD) – increased for 2026-27, £1 more for domestic economy flights, £2 more for short-haul economy flights and £12 more for long-haul destinations. The higher rate applicable to private jets will rise by 50% in 2026-27
Devolved government funding – to receive an additional £6.6bn through the operation of the Barnett formula in 2025-26 (£3.4bn for the Scottish Government, £1.7bn for the Welsh Government and £1.5bn for the Northern Ireland Executive)
Expanding government-funded childcare support – an additional £1.8bn pledged for working parents in England, bringing total spending on childcare to over £8bn in 2025-26.

Closing comments

Rachel Reeves signed off her Budget saying, “I have made my choices, the responsible choices, to restore stability to our country, to protect working people… Fixing the foundations of our economy. Investing in our future. Delivering change. Rebuilding Britain.”

It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this document is based on our current understanding of the Budget, taxation and HMRC rules and can be subject to change in future. It does not provide individual tailored investment advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK; please ask for details. We cannot assume legal liability for any errors or omissions it might contain. Levels and bases of, and reliefs from taxation are those currently applying or proposed and are subject to change; their value depends on the individual circumstances of the investor.

All details are believed to be correct at the time of writing (30 October 2024)

This material is intended to be for information purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument. Tees is a trading name of Tees Financial Limited which is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered number 211314.

Tees Financial Limited is registered in England and Wales. Registered number 4342506.

October 2024 budget: What does it mean for individuals and businesses?

Posted on 2 October 202429 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

As Rachel Reeves prepares to deliver her first budget as Chancellor of the Exchequer on 30 October, businesses and individuals are bracing for significant economic shifts. With an apparent £22 billion deficit, Reeves is expected to announce a range of measures aimed at driving growth while maintaining monetary responsibility.

Reeves is favouring real-term growth in public spending through a combination of tax increases and selective borrowing. These policy adjustments will have broad implications for taxpayers, businesses, and many more.

As a leading firm in legal and financial advisory services, Tees offer expert advice and solutions for individuals and companies looking to understand the impact of the proposed measures.

Potential budget highlights

Income tax adjustments

Reeves is likely to adjust income tax thresholds, potentially pushing more earners into higher tax brackets. With the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) estimating that lowering the personal allowance or basic-rate limit by 10% could yield billions, those in higher brackets need to prepare for greater tax liabilities.

Pension tax relief reforms

Significant reforms to pension tax relief could be on the table, with the potential to raise up to £15 billion annually. These changes are expected to affect those benefitting from higher-rate tax relief, potentially making pension contributions more costly for both individuals and employers.

Capital gains tax (CGT) increases

Reeves may also increase CGT rates or broaden the taxable base, potentially aligning it more closely with income tax. While this could generate revenue, it risks impacting investment portfolios.

Inheritance tax (IHT) adjustments

Changes to IHT, particularly around pensions, business assets, and agricultural land, are expected to raise additional revenue. Caps on exemptions and potential reforms to relief on Alternative Investment Market (AIM) shares could have a significant impact on estate planning.

Fuel duty increases and environmental taxation

Ending the freeze on fuel duty could raise £6 billion annually, a move aligned with environmental goals. This may impact businesses with high fuel consumption, particularly in logistics and transport sectors.

Windfall taxes on banks and private equity

The October budget may introduce windfall taxes on banks and higher taxes on private equity profits, targeting the substantial gains these sectors have seen amid rising interest rates.

Windfall Taxes on Banks – As banks benefit from widened net interest margins, a proposed one-off windfall tax could significantly impact their profitability and lending capacity. While this measure aims to generate revenue for the Treasury, it may lead to reduced lending, particularly affecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that rely on bank financing.
Increased Taxes on Private Equity Profits – Reeves is also expected to align the taxation of carried interest in private equity with income tax rates, currently at 28%. This could discourage investment in higher-risk ventures and shift private equity firms toward lower-return strategies, potentially slowing innovation and start-up funding in the UK.

Revised fiscal rules

Reeves may introduce or revise fiscal rules, creating space for increased investment without destabilising public finances. Businesses looking to benefit from potential growth areas, including green infrastructure and housing, will need strategic advice to take full advantage of these opportunities.

As the UK prepares for Reeves’ budget, Tees is ready to assist clients in understanding and responding to the challenges and opportunities presented by these potential measures. Our team of legal and financial experts are equipped to provide tailored advice, helping businesses and individuals alike plan in a changing economic environment.

About Tees

Tees is a leading UK-based legal and financial advisory firm with over 110 years of experience. It offers expert services in a wide range of areas, including tax planning, wealth management, corporate law, and estate planning.

Our team of specialists can help individuals and businesses navigate complex legal and financial matters, ensuring they are well-positioned for the future.

We provide bespoke financial planning, pension advice, wealth management, estate planning, and corporate law services, helping clients adapt to changing regulations, maximise their financial potential, and achieve their long-term goals. Additionally, we can assist businesses in transitioning to greener alternatives, managing the financial impact of increased fuel duties, and capitalising on new government investments.

This material is intended for information purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument. It is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for accounting, legal or tax advice or investment recommendations. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns, and all investments involve risks. Some information quoted was obtained from external sources we consider to be reliable.

Tees is a trading name of Stanley Tee LLP, regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority. Registered in England and Wales, number OC327874

Tees is a trading name of Tees Financial Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered number 211314. Tees Financial Limited is registered in England and Wales. Registered number 4342506.

Planning ahead: learn about types of pensions

Posted on 2 October 202428 March 2025 by Sophie Soraf

Your guide to retirement planning

Pensions can be complicated because there are different types of pensions, and different rules that govern them, plus also lots of options for what you can do with a pension when you want to use the money. It’s worth understanding the main concepts so that you can make choices that could have a significant impact on the quality of your retirement. Before making any decisions about pensions, you should always consult an independent financial adviser.

What are the different types of pensions?

There are three major pension options and most people fund their retirement through a combination of one, two or all three of these types.

Private pensions

Also known as ‘defined contribution’ or ‘money purchase’ pensions, you pay part of your earnings into a pension fund, which your provider invests. The final amount depends on your contributions, fund performance, fees, and how you withdraw the money.

State pension

A weekly payment (£203.85) paid from age 66, gradually increasing to 67 and 68 depending on your birth date. To qualify, you need at least 10 years of National Insurance contributions (NICs), with 35 years required for the full amount.

Workplace pensions

Provided by your employer, a portion of your salary is automatically deducted and topped up by employer contributions and government tax relief, unless you opt out.

How to make your workplace pension better for the future?

You could do the following:

Review your fund choices: Adjust your investments based on your risk tolerance. Many providers offer tools to help assess your risk profile.
Consolidate pensions: Transfer existing pensions into your workplace pension to simplify management and boost its value. You can often do this directly or with financial advice.
Increase contributions: Consider raising your contribution percentage with your employer or HR. Basic rate taxpayers get 20% tax relief, while higher-rate taxpayers get 40%. Salary sacrifice is also an option.

For help, contact your pension provider or a financial adviser. You typically receive tax relief on all contributions up to annual and lifetime limits.

Is there a limit on how much I can pay into a pension?

You can contribute as much as you like to your pension, but the amount of tax relief you can claim is limited. For the 2023-24 tax year, the Annual Allowance is £60,000 or 100% of your earnings, whichever is lower. If you’ve used up your current Annual Allowance, you may be able to carry forward unused allowances from the previous three years, provided you were a member of a pension scheme during that time.

For higher earners with a taxable income over £200,000, the Tapered Annual Allowance reduces the amount of tax-relievable contributions. If you’ve flexibly accessed your pension, the Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA) applies, limiting contributions to £10,000 per year from April 2023.

When can I access my pension?

Pension freedoms introduced in 2015 allow you greater flexibility in how you can access certain pension pots from age 55; this will increase to 57 from 6th April 2028. This greater flexibility gives more options but is only available on certain types of pensions and you should seek advice to assess what your specific options are.

How we can help

Our advisers simplify your options and tailor a plan based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and tax position.

So, if you would like to discuss your pension options and retirement planning, do get in touch. We are only a phone call away. You can be sure that all our advice and recommendations will be focused on getting you the best possible result.

_{This material is intended to be for information purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument. It is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for accounting, legal or tax advice, or investment recommendations. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns and all investments involve risks. Some information quoted was obtained from external sources we consider to be reliable.}

_{Tees is a trading name of Tees Financial Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered number 211314. Tees Financial Limited is registered in England and Wales. Registered number 4342506.}

Legal tips for marriage: Prenups, insurance, and more

Posted on 24 July 202422 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Planning for your big day? Don’t overlook these key legal considerations to ensure a smooth journey to the altar. From prenuptial agreements to wedding insurance, understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial. Here’s everything you need to know about wedding insurance, prenups, and marrying abroad.

Is living together the same as marriage?

No, living together doesn’t provide the same legal rights as marriage. Although 3.4 million couples in the UK cohabited in 2023 (source: Office for National Statistics), many are unaware of their lack of legal protections. Cohabiting couples don’t have the same rights regarding inheritance, income, or capital after a partner’s death. If you’re living together, it’s important to understand these limitations.

What is wedding insurance?

Wedding insurance protects your financial investment in case things go wrong with your wedding arrangements. Coverage typically includes things like venue cancellations, lost deposits, food, flowers, and wedding attire. Without insurance, you may be out of pocket if a supplier fails to deliver.

Why should you get wedding insurance early?

Take out wedding insurance as soon as you start planning—before paying any deposits. Some policies may not cover services booked through a wedding planner, so check the terms carefully. Policies also typically don’t cover cancellations due to personal decisions like a breakup. If you’re marrying abroad, ensure you have separate travel insurance for your honeymoon and specialist wedding insurance.

Getting married abroad: What you need to know

If you plan to marry abroad, ensure your marriage will be legally recognized when you return to the UK. For your marriage to be valid:

It must be allowed under UK law.
You must follow the legal requirements of the country where you’re marrying.

If you’re unsure, consult a family law solicitor before your wedding. They can guide you through the process and help you understand whether extra steps are necessary. You’ll also need to research the specific requirements for your destination country. Websites like GOV.UK offer a helpful guide, but a lawyer with knowledge of the country’s marriage laws can provide extra peace of mind.

What is a prenuptial agreement?

A prenuptial agreement (prenup) is a legal contract that determines how assets, debts, and finances will be divided in the event of divorce. To ensure it is enforceable, prenups must be signed at least one month before the wedding, and both parties must provide full financial disclosure. Independent legal advice is essential to ensure both sides understand the terms and implications.

Is a prenup legally binding in the UK?

Yes, but a judge may not uphold it if deemed unfair, especially if it fails to provide adequate provisions for children or a spouse. The agreement must also be free from duress, and both parties should have received independent legal advice. Prenups made under a month before marriage are less likely to be enforced, so plan ahead.

Home ownership and property deeds in marriage

If you own a property before marriage, you may want to transfer the title into both names. If there’s a mortgage, you’ll need the lender’s consent, and if it’s leasehold, you might need permission from the freeholder. For guidance on deed transfers and mortgages, consult a conveyancing solicitor to ensure everything is handled correctly, including any potential stamp duty.

Should I update my will after marriage?

Marriage automatically invalidates any existing will unless it was specifically made ‘in contemplation of marriage’. It’s highly recommended to create a new will before your wedding to ensure your wishes are clearly outlined. If you have a foreign will, consult a legal expert to confirm its validity after marriage.

Will my partner inherit my pension after my death?

Pension rules can be complex, and they vary depending on the type of pension you have. Don’t assume your spouse will automatically inherit your pension. For example, if you’re receiving a final salary pension or have an annuity, changes may not be possible. However, you can make provisions for your spouse by setting them as a beneficiary for pensions and annuities before your wedding. State pensions remain unaffected by marriage.

Wealthier post-divorce? Protect your assets

Posted on 12 July 202422 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Why you need a financial consent order after divorce

Did you know your ex-partner could still claim money from you even after your divorce is finalised? It may seem unfair, but a financial consent order can protect your assets and prevent future claims.

When your divorce or civil partnership dissolution is finalised with a decree absolute, your legal ties are severed, but without a financial consent order, your ex-partner could still make claims against your assets. These claims could arise from any significant change in circumstances, such as:

One partner developing a successful business
Inheriting money or assets
Building pension benefits
Winning the lottery

Without a financial consent order, these claims can be made at any time, leaving you vulnerable. Protect yourself now by securing a financial consent order.

What is a financial consent order?

A financial consent order is a legally binding document that formalises the financial agreement between divorcing couples or those dissolving a civil partnership. It outlines how financial assets, such as property, savings, and pensions, will be divided.

A financial consent order can also prevent future claims from your ex-partner and sever all financial ties (known as a clean break order). The terms of the order will depend on your financial situation and what both parties agree to.

How to obtain a financial consent order

Couples can reach an agreement through direct negotiations, mediation, or solicitor-led discussions. Once an agreement is reached, a solicitor can help draft the consent order and submit it to court for approval.

The court’s role is minimal – it will simply review the financial consent order to ensure it is fair to both parties. Once the judge approves it, the order becomes legally binding after your divorce or civil partnership dissolution is finalised.

Avoid the courtroom

There is no need to attend a court hearing. The court will only review the consent order to ensure fairness. If the judge is satisfied, the order will be approved, providing peace of mind and protecting you from future financial claims.

For more information or a no-obligation consultation, contact Lisa Honey at Tees Solicitors.

Case study: Vince v Wyatt (2015)

The case of Vince v Wyatt highlights the importance of securing a financial consent order, even if you think it’s not necessary at the time of your divorce.

In this case, the couple married in 1981, had one child together, and separated in 1984. Their decree absolute was granted in 1992, but they never entered into a financial agreement (consent order). Ms Wyatt did not request financial support from Mr Vince at the time, and she raised the children alone in difficult financial circumstances.

In 1995, Mr Vince founded a green energy business, Ecoticity, which became highly successful, eventually being valued at £57 million. Meanwhile, Ms Wyatt’s financial situation remained modest.

In 2011, 27 years after their separation, Ms Wyatt applied for a lump sum payment, citing financial hardship. Mr Vince sought to have the claim dismissed due to the long delay since their divorce. However, the case went to the Supreme Court, which ruled that her claim could proceed, despite the lengthy delay.

The case ultimately concluded with Ms Wyatt accepting £300,000 as a full and final settlement. While the couple had no assets when they divorced, a financial consent order could have prevented this prolonged legal battle and the associated costs.

Don’t risk it – protect your financial future and avoid costly disputes by securing a financial consent order today.

Using Collaboration to achieve a ‘clean-break’ divorce

Posted on 24 January 201727 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Collaboration is a route to resolution which, in the right circumstances, can help couples find an amicable solution when a relationship breaks down.

Background

Sue and James had been married for 23 years and have a 22 year old daughter and a 20 year old son.

For several years prior to instructing solicitors they had not been getting along and been living more and more separate lives under the same roof. They decided to separate and sell their jointly owned house which was too large for either of them with a view to going their separate ways.

Problems Faced

The overall assets, including pensions and James’ company interests totalled approximately £2 million. Sue had worked part-time during the marriage in an administrative position but had no recent skills.

Our Solution

Sue also went to see a collaborative lawyer and both were assessed as being suitable to be accepted as collaborative clients. They held a good deal of mutual respect for one another despite no longer wishing to remain together. Neither had an ‘axe to grind’ but they needed clarity and legal guidance and advice due to the complexity of the situation.

Over a series of 6 meetings (4-way meetings), we assisted Sue and James identify their assets and financial circumstances and needs. This included:

An independent company valuation was obtained early on through agreement and an expert jointly appointed
A full report as to pension sharing and how equality of income might be achieved
Looking at monthly budgets and needs
Looking at James’ and Sue’s housing requirements

Outcome

To conclude, a mutually agreed settlement was arrived at which took into account James’ wish to maintain autonomy over the significant company assets without claim from Sue. Sue took a higher amount from the non-company assets (house and savings) to provide her with enough to buy a new home with a fund sufficient to enable the clean-break on income which both wanted.

Sue and James agreed a ‘pension sharing order’ which was based on both having broadly similar income at retirement.

During the process, the ‘reason’ for the divorce was also agreed within the face to face sessions and papers drafted in between sessions. The two collaborative lawyers were also mindful throughout as to the potential need for counselling and this was discussed with Sue and James, who separately agreed this may assist them. By adopting this approach, it assisted them to stay focussed on the issues and facts, rather than the meetings becoming emotionally too charged.

If you want a lawyer to take a closer look at your situation, our family and divorce lawyers are based in: