When a woman experiences menopause symptoms, it can cause tensions and challenges in a relationship both for the person experiencing symptoms and also for her spouse or partner.

Symptoms, if they exist at all, can include anxiety, low mood, changes in confidence, mood swings, sleep difficulties and “brain fog”. For some people these symptoms may coincide with significant difficulties in their relationship, affect their ability to work or make an already stressful separation feel much harder to manage. Partners can also be affected, particularly where changes in health or behaviour are placing additional strain on family life.

As a family lawyer and mediator with specialist training in this area, I understand that menopause symptoms can be relevant to both how we interact with clients, the process we take to resolve the legal issues arising from the separation and the eventual outcome. Our approach is to provide a safe environment in which clients can talk openly about what is happening, without making assumptions or attributing every difficulty to the menopause symptoms.

How can we help?

If menopause symptoms are affecting you, or your spouse or partner, I can consider with you:

• The right process for you - mediation, collaborative law, solicitor negotiations or another form of dispute resolution may be appropriate. Where somebody is particularly vulnerable, the process can be adapted accordingly.
• Financial arrangements - where symptoms have affected someone's ability to work or their future earning capacity, this may be relevant when considering the financial consequences of divorce. Obtaining relevant information and appropriate medical evidence can be important.
• Making the legal process manageable - practical adjustments, such as additional breaks, extra time to consider information or ensuring important advice is confirmed inwriting, can make a significant difference to an individual’s ability to fully take part in the legal process.
• Understanding what is really happening - menopause should neither be ignored nor automatically treated as the explanation for relationship difficulties or behaviour. Taking time to understand the individual's circumstances is essential.

A sensitive, informed approach

Every person's experience of menopause is different. They may suffer from physical and mental symptoms which could last for months or years and vary considerably in their severity and impact. That means there is no single approach that will be right for every family and there is never an expectation that menopause symptoms do or will exist at all.

The starting point for your legal team at Burgess Mee is simple. We listen carefully, understand what you and your family are experiencing, and make sure the legal process works for you rather than adding unnecessarily to an already difficult situation.

If you are considering separation or are already going through one, and menopause symptoms are affecting you or your spouse or partner, I can help you understand the options and find a constructive way forward.

Kirsty Morris, a partner in the team, is an experienced solicitor and mediator with specialist training in dealing with vulnerable clients. Please contact the Burgess Mee team to set up an initial call with Kirsty. mail@burgessmee.com ‍