Recently, there has been a rise in Curveball Divorces.
This is when one partner is blindsided by the other party’s desire to end, what may appear to be, a great marriage or partnership.
This can be particularly acute if the marriage has only taken place a few years ago. Or even months.
Divorce is an emotional upheaval at the best of times, but the shock can be even worse when one partner has already begun the grieving process while the other is left unprepared.
It is common for the partner who initiates a separation or divorce to be keen to move quickly, while the other party needs time to process the situation.
This means the second party needs more time to consult a mediator and get their documents together before the start of the financial mediation.
Someone who has started the mediation process having mentally prepared for their life after a separation or a divorce, will usually feel able to make decisions about the division of assets much more quickly than someone who has not come to terms with the situation.
Patience and understanding from the initiating partner can make a huge difference in the long term. Sometimes, a slower pace in the early stages will lead to a quicker and easier resolution in the end.