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May 2021

Lifestyle Family and Leisure

Amicable divorce? It's not just for the super rich...

Published: 24 May 2021, 16:20 BST

Updated: 24 May 2021, 17:00 BST

by Alys Jones

As Bill and Melinda separate, a local family solicitor from Consilia Legal says the Gates have been pioneers for change which will stand them in good stead when entering discussions and that an amicable divorce is possible for all couples.

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Microsoft entrepreneurs, Bill and Melinda Gates, publicly announced last week that their marriage had ‘irretrievably broken down’. The billionaire philanthropists have suggested that they want a conciliatory divorce to separate their assets, estimated to be worth $146 billion.

Local family solicitor, Sophie Arrowsmith, from Consilia Legal in Harrogate and Leeds, notes that the Gates family have been pioneers for change and forward thinking, which will stand them in good stead when entering discussions.

Sophie said:

“When the news story hit the headlines, the media were scrambling for information as to how the parties were going to begin to untangle their enormous wealth.”

“Although the circumstances of this particular family’s wealth may be uncommon, the unfortunate breakdown of their marriage is not. Helpfully, the pair have considered alternative dispute resolution when arranging their divorce. This public move to amicably settle matters will likely persuade others to consider mediation and other forms of resolution first to avoid lengthy and costly proceedings.”

“The Ministry of Justice have recently implemented a scheme of allocating £1million to provide vouchers, worth up to £500 per case, which will reduce the costs of mediation for separating families. The scheme has been praised for encouraging families to consider a constructive and conciliatory process outside of the courts.”

Consilia Legal offers a range of alternative dispute resolution methods, including mediation services. Mediation is a process where separated couples meet with our accredited family mediators and explore options as to how to can reach important decisions for their family, whether in relation to children and/or financial matters. Mediation can lead to more amicable resolutions in a non-inflammatory way and can reduce the stress of complicated proceedings.

To discuss mediation, contact Sophie Arrowsmith or Laura Clapton at Consilia Legal in Leeds on 0113 3229 222, or email s.arrowsmith@consilialegal.co.uk and l.clapton@consilialegal.co.uk

Visit www.consilialegal.co.uk for more details of legal services available.