Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<p>Getting divorced or ending a civil partnership can be traumatic. It can impact every aspect of life, from finances and family dynamics to emotional wellbeing and future planning. And if you&#8217;ve bought property, set up a business together, or have joint investments or other assets, it&#8217;s vital to ensure a fair and equitable division. But it doesn&#8217;t have to be a battlefield.  Lizzie Smith, partner at <a href="https://www.stephens-scown.co.uk/personal/family-law/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stephens Scown</a> specialising in the financial aspects of relationship breakdown, explains that with the right support, it can be a process of renewal, setting the stage for a healthier, happier future. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/01/Moye_Stephens_Scown_478-Preferred.jpg" alt="Stephens_Scown solicitors somerset devon" class="wp-image-115655" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/01/Moye_Stephens_Scown_478-Preferred.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/01/Moye_Stephens_Scown_478-Preferred-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/01/Moye_Stephens_Scown_478-Preferred-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/01/Moye_Stephens_Scown_478-Preferred-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/01/Moye_Stephens_Scown_478-Preferred-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seek-support-early">Seek support early</h2>



<p>The emotional impact of separation can be profound. Seeking help, whether through therapy, coaching, or trusted advisors at the outset, can help you approach the process calmly and steadily. In the same way, understanding your financial assets and anticipating issues early on, with advice from experts, can help you make informed decisions later on.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-be-collaborative">Be collaborative</h2>



<p>Think collaboratively, rather than combatively. With a &#8216;collaborative law&#8217; approach, you each have your own lawyer and possibly other professional support (e.g. an accountant, therapist) but the aim is to reach agreement about how you&#8217;ll separate during a series of face-to-face meetings with your soon-to-be ex. It&#8217;s informal, less stressful – and cheaper – than going to court and you and your spouse remain in control of the timetable. </p>



<p>Even if you aren’t able to use the collaborative approach, dealing with matters amicably does help reduce stress and maintain relationships moving forward.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explore-all-your-options">Explore all your options</h2>



<p>If you and your ex are on good terms, you could consider using a law firm&#8217;s advice-based &#8216;resolution together&#8217; service, whereby you both work with the same lawyer to agree an outcome for your separation and finances. As well as increasing your chances of remaining on good terms with each other, you can save money; you only pay for one lawyer, and avoid costly communications between two separate legal representatives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keep-it-private">Keep it private</h2>



<p>If you&#8217;ve been running a business together or have been involved in charity or other philanthropic endeavours with a public profile, the last thing you need is public court proceedings or to appear in the media. Think about private dispute resolution methods like solicitor attended mediation or arbitration. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/01/GettyImages-1706989502.jpg" alt="Stephens_Scown solicitors somerset devon" class="wp-image-115653" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/01/GettyImages-1706989502.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/01/GettyImages-1706989502-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/01/GettyImages-1706989502-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/01/GettyImages-1706989502-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/01/GettyImages-1706989502-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understand-and-value-your-assets">Understand and value your assets</h2>



<p>Assets – properties, family businesses, trusts and international investments – need expert valuation and division by professionals who understand issues like asset tracing, tax implications, and the preservation of generational wealth.</p>



<p>When a divorce involves a business, significant tax issues can arise, making early specialist advice essential. If you intend to continue working together after the divorce, it&#8217;s wise to clearly define the terms of any future business relationship to prevent problems later on. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-think-of-the-kids">Think of the kids</h2>



<p>Whatever their age, children will want reassurance and wellbeing must remain central. You&#8217;ll need a parenting plan that reflects the family’s lifestyle and values, includes emotional support and with minimal disruption to existing routines, like school, travel arrangements and relationships. </p>



<p>If you want to relocate with your children, you&#8217;ll need to think about schooling, healthcare and how they&#8217;ll maintain their relationship with their other parent.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/01/GettyImages-2170428685.jpg" alt="divorce Stephens_Scown solicitors somerset" class="wp-image-115654" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/01/GettyImages-2170428685.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/01/GettyImages-2170428685-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/01/GettyImages-2170428685-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/01/GettyImages-2170428685-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/01/GettyImages-2170428685-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-proof-your-finances">Future-proof your finances</h2>



<p>Divorce isn&#8217;t just about dividing your existing assets and getting an immediate settlement, it&#8217;s about future financial security for both of you. Pensions can be one of the most valuable assets in a marriage (sometimes worth more than the family home). All pension pots, SIPPs, SSASs and other private pension schemes, should be professionally valued and considered in the overall financial settlement. You&#8217;ll also need to bear in mind any expected inheritances and philanthropic commitments. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-look-after-yourself">Look after yourself</h2>



<p>Divorce can be emotionally draining and a good law firm can put you in touch with therapists, counsellors, and wellbeing practitioners who specialise in family transitions, whether that&#8217;s to help children adjust, help you manage your anxiety or rebuild confidence.</p>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.stephens-scown.co.uk/personal/family-law/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stephens Scown</a>, the UK’s first large employee-owned law firm and B Corp™ Certified, has been top rated in&nbsp;Legal 500&nbsp;and&nbsp;Chambers &amp; Partners&nbsp;for over 20 years. It has offices in Taunton, Bournemouth, Exeter, Truro and London. Call <a href="tel:03454505558">0345 450 5558</a> or email <a href="mailto:enquiries@stephens-scown.co.uk">enquiries@stephens-scown.co.uk</a> for more information.</em></strong></p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/happy-and-healthy-a-year-of-putting-yourself-first/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Welcome to Happy &amp; Healthy: A year of putting yourself first</a></li>



<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/health-wellbeing-creative-retreats-events-somerset-dorset-amp-bristol-spring-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Health, wellbeing and creative retreats and events in Somerset, Dorset &amp; Bristol this spring</a></li>



<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/books/10-joyful-reads-to-boost-your-mood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uplit and loving it! 10 joyful reads to boost your mood</a></li>
</ul>


Divorce: how to part ways peacefully – by a South West expert

You may also like