Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<p>The &#8216;d&#8217; word. Never an easy thing to go through, but there are ways to make divorce, if not wholeheartedly happy, then at least amicable. Uncoupling can be less messy if you prioritise fairness and keep your feelings from running wild. Muddy tapped up the Michaela Evans, head of the matrimonial team at Peak District solicitors <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/taylor-emmet-solicitors-peak-district/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taylor Emmet</a> for some top tips for how to have a happy divorce and part peacefully.</p>



<p>Want more? Join them at a free, informal networking lunch at gorgeous gastropub The Maynard in Grindleford, Derbyshire on <strong>Mon 2 March</strong> (tickets<a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/supporting-international-womens-day-peaceful-partings-protected-futures-tickets-1982295813139?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> here</a>). Michaela will chat peaceful partings and dish out practical advice.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/couple-in-bed-Muddy-onedrive-1024x683.jpg" alt="couple apart in bed" class="wp-image-16876" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/couple-in-bed-Muddy-onedrive-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/couple-in-bed-Muddy-onedrive-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/couple-in-bed-Muddy-onedrive-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/couple-in-bed-Muddy-onedrive.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seek-the-right-advice"><strong>Seek the right advice</strong></h2>



<p>Family law can be complex, and early specialist advice makes a real difference. Getting tailored guidance helps protect your assets, your children, and your future, and gives you clarity about your rights, responsibilities and options from the outset.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-not-about-winning-or-losing"><strong>It’s not about winning or losing</strong></h2>



<p>Many people approach separation expecting a battle, often driven by hurt, anger or fear. But family law is not about rewarding one spouse and punishing the other. Blame rarely affects the outcome.</p>



<p>Unnecessary legal conflict increases costs and reduces the resources available to the family. The goal should be a fair, workable solution that meets everyone’s needs, especially the children’s. In most cases there is a realistic range of likely outcomes. Early advice, managed expectations and a willingness to negotiate usually lead to faster, more secure and more respectful resolutions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-don-t-use-the-children"><strong>Don’t use the children</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/sad-child-muddy-onedrive-1024x683.jpg" alt="sad child with head on knees" class="wp-image-16877" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/sad-child-muddy-onedrive-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/sad-child-muddy-onedrive-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/sad-child-muddy-onedrive-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/sad-child-muddy-onedrive.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Children should never be drawn into adult disputes. Separation is difficult for them, and they need reassurance, stability and support, not conflict. Parents should shield children from arguments and avoid using them as messengers or leverage. Research consistently shows that exposure to parental conflict can have lasting emotional effects.</p>



<p>Although your relationship as a couple may be ending, your relationship as co-parents continues. Encourage a healthy relationship with both parents wherever safe to do so, and agree practical co-parenting arrangements early. A written Parenting Plan can help avoid misunderstandings and reduce future conflict. Most importantly: children should never feel responsible for a parent’s wellbeing or be asked to take sides.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keep-talking"><strong>Keep talking</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="904" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/divorce-priscilla-du-preez-xM4wUnvbCKk-unsplash-904x1024.jpg" alt="couple holding hands across a table" class="wp-image-16874" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/divorce-priscilla-du-preez-xM4wUnvbCKk-unsplash-904x1024.jpg 904w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/divorce-priscilla-du-preez-xM4wUnvbCKk-unsplash-265x300.jpg 265w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/divorce-priscilla-du-preez-xM4wUnvbCKk-unsplash-768x870.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/divorce-priscilla-du-preez-xM4wUnvbCKk-unsplash-1355x1536.jpg 1355w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/divorce-priscilla-du-preez-xM4wUnvbCKk-unsplash.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 904px) 100vw, 904px" /></figure>



<p>Maintaining constructive communication helps resolve matters more quickly and cost-effectively. Court should usually be the last resort.</p>



<p>There are several non-court dispute resolution options available, including Collaborative Law and the Resolution Together model. These approaches are designed to help couples reach agreement through structured discussion rather than confrontation. In Collaborative Law, both parties and their specially trained solicitors work together in a series of round-table meetings to resolve issues face-to-face and find mutually acceptable solutions without going to court. Under the Resolution Together model, one solicitor supports both individuals jointly, helping them reach fair, informed agreements in a transparent and cooperative way.</p>



<p>Courts are placing increasing emphasis on non-court resolution. Judges have the power to pause proceedings and require couples to consider these approaches, and there can be costs consequences for those who unreasonably refuse to engage. Reaching agreement outside court keeps control of decision-making with the couple, rather than handing it to a judge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-don-t-air-dirty-laundry-in-public"><strong>Don’t air dirty laundry in public</strong></h2>



<p>It’s natural to lean on friends and family, but legal negotiations and court documents must remain private. Social media posts made in anger or frustration often resurface later in proceedings and can seriously undermine your position. Judges take a dim view of public criticism of the other party, particularly where children are involved. If in doubt: don’t post. Social media is rarely as private as it feels.</p>



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



<p>Separation is emotional, but legal and financial decisions should be made calmly and objectively. Think of the process as a structured negotiation, not a personal contest. If a judge determines a financial settlement, they will focus on assets, income, needs and resources, not on who was at fault or how strongly someone feels.</p>



<p>Emotional support is important, but it should sit alongside, not inside, legal decision-making. Many clients benefit from working with a counsellor or divorce coach while their solicitor handles the legal process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-organise-your-finances"><strong>Organise your finances</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/close-up-hands-laptop-accounts-shutterstock_1950583951-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="woman doing accounts at home" class="wp-image-16879" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/close-up-hands-laptop-accounts-shutterstock_1950583951-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/close-up-hands-laptop-accounts-shutterstock_1950583951-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/close-up-hands-laptop-accounts-shutterstock_1950583951-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/close-up-hands-laptop-accounts-shutterstock_1950583951-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Both parties must provide full and frank financial disclosure during settlement negotiations. Good advice depends on accurate information.</p>



<p>Start gathering details of:</p>



<ul>
<li>bank and savings accounts</li>



<li>investments</li>



<li>pensions</li>



<li>loans and liabilities</li>



<li>property</li>



<li>vehicles and valuable items</li>
</ul>



<p>Request pension transfer values early, providers can be slow to respond. Even if you believe pensions won’t be relevant, valuations are still required for disclosure and court approval. Your solicitor will guide you and provide a checklist, you don’t need everything ready before your first meeting.</p>



<p><strong>Want to know more? </strong>Join Taylor Emmet Solicitors for an informal (and free) <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/supporting-international-womens-day-peaceful-partings-protected-futures-tickets-1982295813139?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">networking lunch</a> at The Maynard, Grindleford (pictured below) on <strong>Mon 2 March</strong>, from 12pm &#8211; 2pm. Michaela will be on hand with advice on how to have amicable divorce. There will also be an informal workshop looking at the importance of Wills. Book your free ticket <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/supporting-international-womens-day-peaceful-partings-protected-futures-tickets-1982295813139?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here.</a></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/The-Maynard-beer-gadren.jpg" alt="Beer garden at Maynard Grindleford" class="wp-image-4906" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/The-Maynard-beer-gadren.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/The-Maynard-beer-gadren-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/The-Maynard-beer-gadren-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/The-Maynard-beer-gadren-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



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



<p><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/sleep/how-to-sleep-better-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How to sleep better in 2026</a></p>



<p><a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/whats-on/whats-on-near-you-this-month-march/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mad for March! What&#8217;s on near you next month</a></p>


Peaceful partings: How to have a happy divorce

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