5th October 2017
“Dr Foster” – How NOT to separate!
I suspect that couples going through a separation may be reeling from last night’s conclusion of "Dr. Foster" and fearing for their children's future wellbeing.
However they should be reassured that the vast majority of separating parents manage to prioritise their children’s needs and protect them from the fallout in a way that Gemma and Simon tragically failed to do.
Good family lawyers should always support them in this and Collaborative law offers parents a way to resolve all issues arising from a divorce or separation without the acrimony of court proceedings and in a way that ensures that their children’s welfare is always the priority. Where appropriate, Collaborative lawyers work in conjunction with a family consultant who can advise parents how best to support their children through what can be a difficult time.
So if you are in the middle of a separation or just considering your options and want to ensure that your children remain your priority, don’t despair as it really doesn’t have to be like “Dr Foster”.
If you would like to discuss issues raised in this article or would like further family law advice, we offer a free half an hour consultation with a member of our team to allow you to discuss your situation and obtain initial guidance on the best way forward for you.
Melanie den Brinker
Partner
Barrister and Collaborative Lawyer
Family and Divorce
Office : Hello world!
01892 502 326mdenbrinker@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Melanie was called to the Bar in 1984. For over 10 years she practised as a Barrister in a specialist family law chambers in London, regularly appearing in the High Court and conducting a number of cases in the Court of Appeal.
Having taken a career break to care for her children, in 2003 she joined the Buss Murton family team as a consultant barrister. Her expertise and wide experience gained both from her time at the Bar and at Buss Murton, enable her to assist and advise on all areas of family law. She now specialises in high net worth financial cases and in complex children cases including those where a parent wishes to move abroad with children.
Melanie is one of the area’s most experienced and active collaborative lawyers and, where possible, strongly supports the resolution of issues through negotiation, rather than through the courts. She is a founding member of the local collaborative lawyers’ group and has given lectures to other family lawyers on collaborative law. Melanie is a member of Resolution (the organisation of family lawyers) and strongly supports the association’s aim to resolve issues in as fair and amicable way as possible.
Expertise
Divorce and civil partnership
Arrangements for children on divorce and separation
Financial arrangements on divorce and separation
Co-habitation and Separation Agreements
Removal from the jurisdiction
Change of Name
Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements
Alternative Contact:
Louise Carvell
01892 502 337
lcarvell@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
Articles
- Child Arrangements Orders in the UK: What You Need to Know
- How to choose your divorce lawyer
- How to share Christmas
- Varying Spousal Maintenance Payments after Divorce
- Putting Children First: Should their views be heard in Court?
- “Dr Foster” – How NOT to separate!
- Summer holidays – the last straw?
- Transgender father denied the right to see his children
- First baby showers and now divorce parties are coming to the UK!
- Is there such a thing as a ‘good divorce’?
Memberships
- Resolution (the national organisation of family lawyers)