Like many people, I was sorry to read about the reported split between Tess Daly and Vernon Kay after more than 20 years together. Separation is never easy, whatever your circumstances.
What did catch my eye though was the number of articles referring to their plans for a “quickie divorce”.
This often-used phrase is a bit of a bugbear of mine.
Apparently, all celebrities manage to get one! I wish somebody would tell me how. After more than 20 years of practising family law, I’ve yet to discover the secret route around the seven-to-eight-month timetable that most divorcing couples face if they’re lucky.
You’ve got the obligatory 20-week wait after issuing the application before you can apply for the Conditional Order, then a further 6 weeks and 1 day before the Final Order. That’s the law, whether you’re Tess and Vernon, a teacher, a plumber or a family lawyer, the divorce process follows exactly the same timetable. And don’t even get me started on the paperwork involved in sorting out the financial settlement…
So, whilst an online divorce might be more convenient, it certainly isn’t a “quickie” one.
What I do love about the reports, however, is the apparent approach Tess and Vernon are taking.
The articles suggest they don’t want to spend thousands fighting, that they intend to agree matters fairly, and that they are prioritising their daughters and the relationship they will continue to have as parents. That’s refreshing to see. Reports also suggest they want to remain friends and avoid a lengthy dispute.
As family lawyers, we know that whilst marriages sometimes come to an end, families don’t.
The couples who achieve the best outcomes are often those who focus on solutions rather than battles. That doesn’t mean rolling over or giving up your rights. It means approaching separation with respect, common sense and a willingness to find fair solutions.
If Tess and Vernon are able to do that, then I genuinely hope more couples follow their lead.
At One Family Law, that’s exactly what we’re all about. We specialise in helping people separate sensibly. Just because you no longer want to stay together doesn’t mean the process has to become hostile, expensive or emotionally draining.
The end of a relationship doesn’t have to mean the start of a war.
Sometimes, with the right advice and support, it can simply be the beginning of a different chapter.
