A marketing campaign by national firm Slater & Gordon aims to raise awareness of the options available in divorce and help couples make informed choices.
The campaign – Taking the First Steps – has been developed following research by the firm, which revealed that couples who wanted to divorce usually delayed the decision at the expense of their mental health. But for those who did proceed to divorce, half said their mental health improved.
In a survey of 2000 UK adults, 57% of divorced couples said they should have started the process sooner, with 43% saying delaying their divorce caused stress and anxiety. A quarter (25%) said delays had a negative impact on their children.
Following divorce, 48% said their mental health improved and 46% said they were able to prioritise their own happiness.
“The decision to end a marriage is difficult, however everyone deserves to seek a solution if their relationship is no longer making them happy”, Rebecca Cliff, solicitor at Slater & Gordon said.
“Following divorce, many people find they have the opportunity to refocus on what they want from life. This freedom comes guilt-free without pressure from anyone else and that can be very empowering.”
To help couples make informed choices about ending their marriage or civil partnership, Slater & Gordon developed the Taking the First Steps campaign. A previous campaign, Take a Breath, acknowledged the uncertainty many people experience when considering separation and encouraged them to take stock before making major decisions.
The latest campaign is designed for people who are actively exploring their options and helps them tackle some of the practical questions that often arise during the early stages of preparation, from discussing divorce with a spouse to understanding arrangements for children, finances and the family home.
It has been developed around two key audiences: parents considering separation and those divorcing in later life.
“Parents are often focused on how separation will affect their children and future family arrangements, while those later in life are more likely to be thinking about pensions, property, inheritance and what starting over means after a long-term relationship,” Slater & Gordon explained.
Delivered through a combination of social media, paid media and PR, the campaign focuses on the practical questions people often have before seeking legal advice.
Content covers topics from speaking to your partner, supporting children, understanding what happens to the family home and how to approach pensions and inheritance.
“There is no right or wrong timeline when it comes to making decisions about your future”, Cliff said.
“However, understanding the options and seeking advice early can help people make informed choices that are right for themselves and their family.”
