Love is in the air – and so is divorce!

It’s St Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 14, and love will be in the air for many.

But there’s a flip side to all the romance – after the stresses and strains of Christmas and the New Year, this is also the season when minds turn to divorce.
Welsh law firm Red Kite Law has five top tips for those about to become part of the stark statistic which says 42 per cent of marriages in England and Wales end in divorce.
“It’s a surprising statistic for many,” said Catrin Griffiths, partner and head of the family department at Red Kite Law.
“Divorce is a daunting and emotional time, so we’ve put together a quick checklist which will help ease any potential pain –
Make sure you choose the right solicitor for you. Rapport is important. You need to be able to talk frankly to your solicitor at an emotional time.
Get early advice. Know your options before you make any decisions. For example, at Red Kite Law, we offer ‘fixed fee no obligation’ meetings and will guide you through the key issues to consider.
Be prepared. Put together a list of questions you may have and look for your marriage certificate! It’ll be needed if you decide to divorce.
Be open-minded about alternatives to litigation. Mediation and counselling are available and legal advice can be given in tandem, keeping costs to a minimum (it’s a very holistic approach).
Don’t be afraid to ask your solicitor if you don’t understand something. Solicitors will appreciate this is a daunting and emotional time for you. We want to help you reach the best solution.
Mrs Griffiths added: “It is worth bearing in mind that Legal Aid is no longer available except for cases involving domestic abuse or forced marriage, so a cost-effective approach is at the forefront for many prospective clients.
“In my experience, clients want a friendly service with some certainty about what it is all going to cost.”
Red Kite Law covers the Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire area with six specialist family solicitors. The firm also has an office in Chepstow. The firm is a member of Resolution, the family law group that advocates a non-confrontational approach to dealing with divorce and other family matters. Red Kite Law has three accredited specialists in the team (Advanced Family law panel and Resolution accredited), recognising the firm’s particular skill and experience. Red Kite Law offers services in Welsh.

About Catrin Griffiths
Catrin Griffiths is a Partner with Red Kite Law and Head of the Family Department.
She said: “We handle some of the most difficult and sensitive cases involving families in West Wales, whether child care, domestic abuse or disputed financial settlements. Many of my clients are farmers and professionals with valuable pension assets and I spend most of my time advising clients on the tricky financial aspects of separation.
“I qualified as a Solicitor in 2002 and since then have dedicated my career to dealing with all aspects of the law as it relates to families – whether married, living together or forced apart by circumstance. My expertise was recognised in April 2013 when I was accredited as an Advanced Family Law Panel member with the Law Society which recognises my particular expertise in child law and violence in the home.
“My clients are often going through the most stressful and emotional experience of their entire lives, with much at stake. My job is to reduce that stress, if I possibly can. My experience in similar cases means I can help to make the whole situation easier than it would otherwise be and I pride myself on being approachable and friendly. Most of my work comes from personal recommendations.
“I am also a member of Resolution, a family law organisation that encourages a non-confrontational approach in dealing with family law cases. My aim is to help every client reach an amicable solution to their problem wherever possible. When recourse to court is needed, I am a confident and experienced court advocate. I am Carmarthenshire born and bred and a Welsh speaker.”
You can contact Catrin Griffiths –
Tel:01267 239 013
Fax:01267 238 521
Email:catrin.griffiths@qs-redkite.com

Red Kite Law was established in 2011 with the merger of two highly-respected firms Lowless & Lowless and Morris Roberts. Lowless & Lowless was formed in 1898 and, since its centenary year, saw significant expansion which included the acquisition of a number of practices including Paul Settatree & Co, Walter Williams Solicitors and Rogers-Haggar.
Morris Roberts was formed in 1999 following the merger of two established Carmarthen firms, Morris Lloyd and J C Williams and Roberts.
The team at Red Kite Law can be contacted on 01267 239000 and 01437 763332 or through the website at www.redkitelaw.co.uk
Red Kite Law has 13 partners and a total headcount of 81, with seven offices spread across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. The senior management team consists of Andrew Manning as CEO, Gayle Butland HR Manager, Chris Woolley as Finance Director and Sally Calverley as Business Development Director.

Weblinks –
www.redkitelaw.co.uk