Breaking Up - What You Need to Do
Breaking up with your partner is never easy; particularly if you have been together for some time and have children. However, take some comfort from the fact that you are not unique! Most of us, at some point in our lives, have been through the heartbreak of a relationship breaking down and whilst the situation can be painful and all-consuming, there are steps that you need to take from both a practical and a ‘healing’ point of view.
Practical Steps to Take:
Benefits - Look at the benefits you might be entitled to.
Check that you are claiming all of the benefits that you are entitled to. A check with the government website should tell you what help you can get.
https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators
If you need to change a claim from a couple to a single person do it as soon as possible.
Children - Put arrangements in place
Try to sort practical arrangements for the children. Remember no matter what the other person has done, in most cases they should still be seeing the children regularly. If you are finding it too difficult enlist the services of a mediator to help you.
https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/
School - Let the school(s) know the situation
Remember the children will be worried about the future, they may be scared by arguments, they may be worried about the parent that has left and whether they are going to see them again. It can be a very unsettling and worrying time so be sure to let their schools know so that they can provide some pastoral care to help the children through this difficult time.
Know your housing rights
If you have split up from your spouse or partner and are living together you may have the rights to remain in the house. You may be entitled to be re-housed by your local authority.
Council Tax
If one of you leaves the home then contact your council tax department, you may be entitled to some assistance and if you are the only remaining adult in the house then you will be entitled to receive single persons discount.
Child Maintenance
The non-resident parent must contribute to the children’s financial upbringing and if you are unable to agree between you the amount of financial support then make a claim for child maintenance at https://www.cmoptions.org/en/calculator/
Legal Advice
Make an appointment to see a solicitor to gain an understanding of your rights.
At www.rjsfamilylaw.co.uk we offer a free initial appointment in order to take some basic information and give you general advice on your unique situation.
Emotional Steps to Take:
Don’t be too hard on yourself!
Whether you have ended the relationship or you are the one left behind it will be a difficult few months ahead of you. Take time to mourn the loss of a relationship, accept the emotions and try not to bottle up your feelings. Don’t rush into a new relationship straight away, take some time out and enjoy your new life.
Contact friends/family
Even if you haven’t had much time for friends and family in recent times, now is the perfect time to reach out and ask for help. No doubt they will be pleased that you are back in touch and want to support you. Spend some time with others, go to the cinema, go shopping, play golf and talk to friends.
New hobby
Have you wanted to try something new like a sport or hobby? Now is the time! It may feel difficult to start with but once you take those first steps it will give you a new lease of life and a new focus. Something new and different to focus on that does not involve your ex.
RJS doesn’t just provide you with legal advice, we also hold your hand as little or as much as you need. We go the extra mile for our clients as the numerous reviews show.
If you want to discuss any of the issues in this article then please contact Rachel McGrath on 07950 848241 or by email on rjs@rjsfamilylaw.co.uk