icon-feather-calendar 7th July 2025

How to Support Your Daughter or Son Through Divorce

By Zharna Sutaria, Head of Family Law at Vyman Solicitors.

When someone you love is facing divorce, it can be one of the most difficult things to watch, especially when that person is your daughter or son.

Supporting your son or daughter through divorce is essential.

As a parent, it’s natural to want to shield them from pain, offer advice or step in to fix things. But divorce is never just a legal process. It’s emotional. It’s overwhelming. And it often leaves people feeling lost.

I regularly speak to parents and family members who feel stuck, unsure of what to say, how to help, or where to begin. If this sounds like you, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Be present, not forceful

They might not always be ready to talk, and that’s okay. Let them set the pace. What they often need most is someone calm, available, and patient – not pressure to decide what comes next.

2. Keep judgment out of it

Whether they’ve chosen to leave or are on the receiving end of that decision, it’s important to withhold blame. This is a moment for listening, not opinions.

3. Encourage the right kind of support

Even if you’ve been through divorce yourself, your experience may be different. Professional advice from a solicitor who will handle matters sensitively and practically can make all the difference, especially when children, finances or shared property are involved.

4. If there are children involved…

This can be especially tough for grandparents. But remember, your role isn’t just to support or help your son or daughter through divorce – it’s to offer steadiness for the whole family. The law encourages separating parents to reach child-focused agreements without going to court. We can help them explore this route in a way that puts the children first.

5. It’s okay to reach out on their behalf

We’re always happy to have a conversation with a parent or loved one who wants to understand what’s ahead. Sometimes, that initial contact can take the pressure off and open the door for the right next step.

Here when you need us

Whether your daughter or son is at the start of this journey or further along, we’re here with the guidance, care and clarity they’ll need to move forward, legally and emotionally.

Get in touch.

📧 zharna.sutaria@vyman.co.uk

📞 020 8427 9080

About Vyman Solicitors

Located in North West London, Vyman Solicitors provides a comprehensive range of legal services, including Corporate & Commercial Property Law, Litigation, Residential and Conveyancing Law, Family LawPrivate Client and Immigration. Known for its commitment to personalised client support and legal excellence, Vyman is a trusted partner for businesses and individuals alike.

Follow Vyman Solicitors on LinkedInInstagram and Facebook.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

icon-feather-calendar 13th February 2025

Valentine’s Day: Managing the Emotional Pressures Post-Divorce or When Considering Separation

Valentine’s Day is often marketed as a celebration of love and togetherness, filled with grand gestures, romantic dinners, and declarations of devotion. However, for many, this day can bring about feelings of stress, sadness, or even uncertainty—especially if you’re recently divorced or contemplating separation.

We explore the unique pressures this day can bring and how to approach them with a sense of clarity and self-compassion.

Post-Divorce: Finding Your Own Peace

For those who have recently gone through a divorce, Valentine’s Day can feel like an emotional minefield. The constant reminders of love and partnership may amplify feelings of loss or highlight the changes in your personal life.

How to approach it:

  • Shift the focus to self-care. Treat the day as an opportunity to prioritise your well-being. Take yourself out for dinner, plan an activity with friends, or indulge in something you love.
  • Acknowledge your journey. Divorce is not the end—it’s a step toward building a life that aligns with your goals and happiness.
  • Celebrate other relationships. Love isn’t just about romantic connections. Show appreciation for family, friends, and the people who’ve supported you.

When Divorce Is on Your Mind: Reflection Over Pressure

For those in relationships where Valentine’s Day feels more like an obligation than a celebration, the day can intensify feelings of discontent. You may find yourself reflecting on whether the relationship is still serving your emotional, mental, and even physical well-being.

How to approach it:

  • Use the day for honest reflection. Instead of focusing on external pressures, ask yourself: “Am I happy? Are my needs being met?”
  • Communicate your concerns. If you’re uncertain about your relationship, consider starting an open, honest conversation with your partner. It could lead to clarity, whether you decide to work on the relationship or move forward separately.
  • Seek professional advice. If you’re considering divorce, speaking with a family solicitor can help you understand your options and next steps, giving you the confidence to make an informed decision.

Valentine’s Day: Redefine What It Means for You

Whether you’re divorced or considering separation, it’s important to remember that Valentine’s Day is just one day. The societal pressure to conform to a picture-perfect image of love can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t define your worth or your future.

Instead of focusing on the day’s traditional meaning, use it as an opportunity to:

  • Reflect on your goals and priorities.
  • Spend time with people who bring you joy and support.
  • Take steps toward creating the life you truly want.

How Vyman Solicitors Can Help

At Vyman Solicitors, we understand that the decision to divorce or rebuild your life post-divorce is deeply personal and often complex. Our Family Law team, led by experienced solicitors like Zharna Sutaria, specialise in providing tailored, discreet advice to clients navigating sensitive family matters.

We’re here to help with:

  • Divorce and financial settlements.
  • Child arrangements and custody matters.
  • Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements.
  • Legal advice for cohabiting couples.

You don’t have to face these challenges alone. With the right support, you can make decisions that prioritise your well-being and set you on a path toward a brighter future.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation. Let’s start your journey with clarity and confidence.

About Vyman Solicitors

Located in North West London, Vyman Solicitors provides a comprehensive range of legal services, including Corporate & Commercial Property Law, Litigation, Residential and Conveyancing Law, Family LawPrivate Client and Immigration. Known for its commitment to personalised client support and legal excellence, Vyman is a trusted partner for businesses and individuals alike.

Follow Vyman Solicitors on LinkedInInstagram and Facebook.

icon-feather-calendar 10th December 2024

Labour’s Tax Reforms – Impact on Inheritance, Divorce & Family Wealth

The Labour Party’s first budget in over a decade has introduced significant changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) and Capital Gains Tax (CGT), with wide-reaching implications for families across the UK. These reforms, set to take effect in April 2026, could profoundly impact how wealth is transferred, how estates are planned, and how family assets are divided during divorce.

If you’re planning your family’s financial future or navigating the complexities of a divorce, these changes may require a fresh look at your legal and estate planning strategies.

What’s Changing? The Key Tax Reforms

The upcoming budget has sparked conversations about the potential effects on business and property disposals, estate planning, and family wealth transfer. Key changes include:

  • New Tax Treatments for Business and Agricultural Reliefs: Revisions to IHT and CGT reliefs could change the way assets such as farmland and business properties are taxed, impacting long-term wealth planning.
  • Inclusion of Pensions in Estates for IHT: For the first time, pensions may be considered part of an estate for IHT purposes, potentially increasing tax liabilities for families.

These changes make it essential to rethink how assets are managed, whether for legacy planning or during major life events such as marriage or divorce.

What This Means for Divorce and Family Wealth

Under the laws of England and Wales, all assets—including inheritance and family gifts—are considered in divorce settlements. Whether these assets are shared or ringfenced depends on factors like:

  • Timing: When the asset was received.
  • Use: How it was utilised during the marriage.
  • Needs: Whether the couple’s reasonable needs can be met without dividing the asset.

Courts may allow certain inherited assets to remain untouched, but this is far from guaranteed. With the UK divorce rate still above 40%, the changes to tax reliefs add complexity to an already challenging process.

How Nuptial Agreements Can Help Protect Wealth

The evolving tax landscape highlights the value of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements as tools for safeguarding family wealth. These agreements:

  • Clearly outline how assets, including family gifts and inheritances, will be handled during divorce.
  • Offer an added layer of protection for wealth transferred under IHT rules.
  • Complement estate planning strategies by helping to preserve family legacies.

While not legally binding, courts give significant weight to well-drafted nuptial agreements, especially when they are fair and created with independent legal advice.

Why Acting Now is Crucial

The new tax rules are a wake-up call for families to review and update their estate and wealth management plans. Proactive planning can ensure that your assets are protected and that you and your loved ones are prepared for any potential changes in tax liabilities or financial obligations.

How Vyman Solicitors Can Support You

At Vyman Solicitors, our Family Law and Private Client teams specialise in helping individuals and families navigate these complex issues. Whether you’re facing a divorce, planning for future wealth transfers, or considering a nuptial agreement, we’re here to provide expert advice tailored to your needs.

Our services include:

  • Assisting with the drafting and implementation of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
  • Providing clear guidance on the implications of IHT and CGT changes for family wealth.
  • Supporting clients through sensitive divorce proceedings to achieve fair outcomes.
  • Reviewing estate plans to align with new tax regulations.

Take Action Today

The changes to IHT and CGT are coming fast, and early preparation is key. Whether you’re planning your family’s legacy or navigating the complexities of a divorce, now is the time to act.

Contact us today at info@vyman.co.uk or call 020 3926 6987 to schedule a consultation with our expert team.

Let us help you protect what matters most.

By acting now, you can ensure that your family wealth remains secure and your future plans stay on track.

At Vyman Solicitors, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.