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Legal advice
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Question: - My husband and I recently decided to split and now we are in the midst of the Covid 19 crisis. I desperately want to see a solicitor but know it will be difficult to see one face to face in the office for advice and to start Divorce proceedings. The atmosphere at home is very strained and I do not wish to wait for this crisis to be over.
Answer:-
I truly appreciate how difficult it must be for you especially during this crisis and lockdown. The best of marriages and relationships will be put under strain during this uncertain period. Sadly, we anticipate that Divorces will spike following this crisis given the emotional, mental, physical and financial pressures of covid 19. I recommend that you consider whether it is the right time to send your husband letters from a solicitor and Divorce proceedings when you are both under the same roof, with little space and tensions are high. You may wish to wait. However, if you wish to set the wheels in motion, you can. Whilst the majority of solicitors’ offices are closed to the public, they continue to provide advice and guidance even in these very difficult times. As a firm, we conduct initial consultations over the telephone, MS Teams and Zoom. We are able to continue to give advice by email and telephone conference calls. It is very much business as usual. A new client need only telephone our offices on 01656 750888 and we can arrange a mutually convenient date and time. Our initial consultation is £200 inclusive of VAT for up to one hour payable before or on the day. We can provide you with detailed advice and an action plan, giving you the confidence to move forward and leave an unhappy relationship.
Melanie Lazarus, Melanie Lazarus & Co
Melanie Lazarus & Co Family Solicitors devoted to your case
offering an unrivalled and personal service
Melanie Lazarus & Co Solicitors are the only specialist Family Solicitors in Bridgend. Specialising in Divorce, Separation, Cohabitation, Civil Partnerships, Financial Disputes, Children & Pre-Nuptial Agreements Fixed Fee Initial Appointment £200 inc VAT Fixed Fee Divorce £500 inc VAT (excluding Court fee – T&C’s apply)
Please contact Melanie Lazarus at: Tel 01656 750 888 Email: melanielazarus@mlsolicitors.com www.mlsolicitors.com Ground Floor Offices, 38-40 Nolton Street, Bridgend, CF31 3BN
WORKPLACE BULLYING & HARASSMENT
Workplace bullying and harassment can take many forms, some more obvious than others. Examples include: • name calling, sexist remarks, racial slurs, comments about appearance; • offensive office ‘banter’, malicious rumours or controversial humour; • unfair treatment or informal threats of being sacked; • sexual innuendo, advances from a co-worker, or unwanted flirting, including “sexting” or sexual comments made via social media. Harassment is linked to discrimination. It is related to any of the following ‘protected characteristics, Age, sex, disability, race, religion, gender, marriage and civil partnership; Harassing someone from one of these groups is illegal if it violates their dignity, or if it creates a hostile, degrading or offensive environment for them. Bullying is often defined in terms of behaviour that undermines, humiliates, or injures a person. It is not linked to discrimination, so the legal implications are different to harassment. If you feel this is happening to you then raise your concerns with your line manager, union representative or the HR department with evidence to back up your claim if you have it. If the bullying or harassment is affecting your health, visit your doctor. If it is causing you to take time off work sick, ask for a ‘fit note’. Keep a detailed record of every bullying incident and related conversations. Keep any evidence, for example emails from the bully. You should have been given a copy of the company’s written disciplinary and grievance procedure when you started your employment (it may be part of the company handbook) - this should set out the internal steps you can take to address a problem at work such as bullying or harassment. If an informal approach does not work, follow the formal grievance procedure set out in your company’s policy. If you are a member of a trade union, talk to the employee representative about your problem. If you have exhausted all other options and the problem is still not resolved, you can discuss the matter with an employment lawyer who may advise legal action. In some circumstances this may lead to a settlement agreement or as a last resort, an employment tribunal If you resign as a result of bullying or harassment, in certain circumstances you may be able to bring a claim of constructive dismissal against your former employer, based on the fact that the mutual trust and confidence has been broken. But always take legal advice first.
Natalie Thomas DJM Solicitors 01656 772211 www.djm.law.co.uk
SWANSEA | MUMBLES | PORTHCAWL | CARDIFF |
01792 65 00 00
SEPARATION AND DIVORCE
There are many couples who decide not to divorce but simply to separate. It is commonplace to make a Deed of Separation to record any agreement regarding financial matters, children and plans to divorce. Care needs to be taken before signing any document as this could be relied upon if a divorce takes place at a later date. If you have both received legal advice, the court would prefer not to overturn the agreement at a later date provided that you had both been honest and there has not been any change in your circumstances. When you are living apart, you are classed as separated by the Inland Revenue and by the Benefits Agency. A Judicial Separation is an alternative to divorce. This is not so common but could be considered when there are religious objections to divorce. It follows the same court procedure as divorce and the court retains the power to settle financial disputes with the exception of pension splitting. The court can also settle any disputes regarding children. The main difference is that you no longer have any legal duty to live together but you cannot remarry. This should be carefully considered with your solicitor. In order to obtain a divorce, you have to show the court that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. This means that either one or both of you feel that you cannot stay married to each other. Either of you may apply to the court in England and Wales for the marriage to be dissolved as long as you have been married for one year at least and that one of you has been a resident here for the year before your application is made. You should speak to a solicitor when considering which option will be best for you.
Madeline Rand King Davies & Partners
SOLICITORS • CYFREITHWYR CONVEYANCING - Moving House? We offer a friendly and efficient service at a fixed price with all the work carried out by a qualified Solicitor
Contact Mike Greenway for more information and a written quotation
WILLS & PROBATE - Computerised Wills Service Wills prepared while you wait – only one appointment usually required
Contact Mike Greenway for more information
16 Well Street, Porthcawl CF36 3BE Tel: 01656 788823 Fax: 01656 786781 Email: porthcawl@whittinghams.co.uk Web: www.whittinghams.co.uk Offices also at 5–7 Court Road, Bridgend CF31 1BE Tel: 01656 653485 Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority No0067119.
• Wills, Trusts & Probate • Conveyancing • Property Law • Housing • Family
We at King Davies & Partners Solicitors send good wishes to everyone during these di cult times
Partner Mr. Ceri Morgan L.L.B Associate Madeline Rand BA
Lloyds Bank Chambers, 18 Talbot Street, Maesteg, Bridgend, CF34 9BP
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HAND DELIVERED DIRECT TO LOCAL HOMES EVERY MONTH 27,000 COPIES
COVER PHOTO: Judi Russell, North Cornelly
HAND DELIVERED DIRECT TO LOCAL HOMES EVERY MONTH 27,000 COPIES
