WHAT IF: When Crazy in Love Turns to Single Ladies!

WHAT IF: When Crazy in Love Turns to Single Ladies!

WHAT IF: Hollywood’s Favourite Couple Decided to Call it Quits?

Beyoncé and Jay Z have been all over the news in the past two weeks.  The couple’s surprise Instagram announcement that twins are on the way has renewed speculation about one of the most high-profile marriages in show business.

The couple has faced endless speculation – mostly around Jay Z’s alleged dalliances with other women – since their April 2008 wedding.  Rihanna, Rita Ora, Rachael Ray and even Gwyneth Paltrow, a good friend of the Carters, have all been romantically linked with the hip hop mogul.  Needless to say, these links are based on the most tenuous of evidence.  Even the latest baby news hasn’t halted speculation with words like “band aid babies” and “on the rocks” being thrown around.

We have no reason whatsoever to think Mr and Mrs Carter are anything other than happily married as they approach their 9th wedding anniversary this spring.  But what if they weren’t?  How would it play out if one of the biggest pairings in showbiz went their separate ways?

Formation

The first thing Beyoncé would do is get her legal team together.  As a multi-platinum recording artist, she’s probably got a team of lawyers on speed dial.  However, a savvy business woman like Bey knows that you need the best people on board and therefore she’d be likely to get a divorce specialist involved from the very start.

We can’t emphasise how important it is to have a specialist family lawyer in your corner.  There are very few absolute certainties in family law: because each family is different, the courts work within general principles to tailor every decision they make to the facts of the family they’re dealing with.  You need someone experienced in the field to let you know how things might go before a judge and what you could be entitled to.

Partition

Despite being two of the most famous people in the world, Jay and Bey have always been notoriously private as a couple.  They control their publicity and social media feeds with military precision.  We doubt it would be any different if they were going through a relationship breakdown.

Every day seems to see another super rich couple battling it out in the divorce courts.  However, the reality is that for 99.9% of divorces, everything takes place behind closed doors.  In England and Wales, the only thing that will be made public is the fact that you are getting divorced – the application form is kept private as are your reasons for divorcing.  If the courts are called on to make a decision on finances, it’s incredibly rare for it to be done in open court or to be reported – this only happens when the case is of importance in legal terms and could set out principles for future decisions.  Even if case details are publicly available, they will generally only relate to the key points involved in the decision and the privacy of any children will be scrupulously protected.

Listen

No doubt the Carters would seek to avoid court by engaging in some other kind of alternative dispute resolution.  It’s generally cheaper and quicker – something that’s likely to appeal to the two music industry entrepreneurs – or anybody for that matter.  Whether you negotiate through solicitors or have a few sessions with an expert mediator, trying to resolve things out of court can really take the heat out of the situation.

That said, mediation is not for everyone.  Depending on the circumstances of the break up, sitting in a room with your former partner could be extremely traumatic.  If that is the case then there are a number of mediation exemptions that could let you go straight to a court application.

Sorry

Sometimes marriages just break down: people grow apart, they want different things, they fall out of love.  And sometimes they go catastrophically wrong because of the actions of one or both of the couple.

Beyoncé’s recent album Lemonade hinted at heartbreak caused by a liaison between her man and “Becky with the good hair”.  The media went crazy with speculation that Jay Z had been caught cheating with another woman.  Clients very often ask us if their cheating spouse will be punished by the courts for their behaviour.  Unfortunately for those clients, the answer is a resounding ‘no’.  The only time conduct can be considered by a court and used to penalise a party is when it is exceptionally serious – think attempts to kill the other person or deliberating gambling away all of the matrimonial assets.

Daddy Lessons

No doubt if the relationship between Beyoncé and Jay broke down, at the top of their minds would be what happens to their children, Blue Ivy and the twins due later this year.  In England and Wales there is no ‘formula’ to decide where children live and contrary to popular belief, they don’t automatically live with their mother.

Divorce and child issues are treated separately by the courts so in the first case, it’s for the parents to decide between themselves where the children should live and where they should visit, say for the weekend.  If the former couple can’t reach an agreement, then they may want to speak with a mediator before making a court application as a last resort.  The court would consider what is in the best interests of the child or children and what would best serve their welfare.

When parents no longer live under the same roof, child maintenance will be payable. The Child Maintenance Options website has an online calculator to help parents work out the minimum basic maintenance they should pay or are entitled to receive.  It takes account of income, benefits, any other children and how often the children stay overnight with the parent who pays.

However, in some cases a court application may be necessary to top up maintenance.  Where the parent paying maintenance is a super high earner, like Jay Z would certainly be, the court can make an additional award of maintenance beyond the basic amount.

Upgrade U

Jay Z and Beyoncé are both young parents and it’s likely that if they split, each would eventually meet a new partner.  This can be a real flash-point in relationship breakdown where an arrangement that previously worked well goes completely to pot.  Jealousy, resentment and discontent can all bubble to the surface.  Long-established routines may be changed to accommodate a new partner.  Therefore, it’s imperative that someone new be introduced to a child in a way that is mindful of the child’s needs and respectful of the former partner’s feelings.  Take things slowly.  Or if things are too slow and you feel your ex-spouse is putting the brakes on unnecessarily, a solicitor would be able to give you an idea of the court’s view on what you’re doing.  It’s rare for a court to stop a child meeting a new partner unless there’s a risk of harm to the child BUT do remember that conflict between parents about a new partner could be detrimental to the child’s happiness and contentment too.

We can’t wait to see the babies when they arrive later this year and we hope the Carter family have many happy decades ahead.  However, if things do go wrong, they’ll have the same worries and problems as you or I. Luckily, they’re things a family lawyer can help you deal with.  We have years of training and are ready to help as soon as you give us the Green Light.

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Regular Catch-up Strategies


At Grayfords, we understand the importance of developing effective strategies to achieve the desired outcomes for our clients in family law and private client law matters. That's why we prioritise regular catch-up strategies to ensure that your case is handled efficiently and aligned with your goals. 

As experienced family and private client lawyers, and strategy experts, we recognise that every case is unique and requires a tailored approach. Through regular catch-up sessions, we engage in open and collaborative discussions with our clients to gain a thorough understanding of their objectives, concerns, and preferences. These ‘catch-ups’ allow us to assess the progress of your case, identify any evolving needs or challenges, and adjust our strategies accordingly. We are also then able to put in place any personal support our clients may need should they wish to avail themselves of our coaching and therapy & mental health services at any point during their legal matter.

By maintaining regular communication, we can provide you with updates on the status of your case, share important information, and address any questions or concerns you may have. This proactive approach ensures that you are actively involved in the decision-making process and empowers you to make informed choices throughout the legal proceedings. 

Our aim is to ensure that your case is being handled in the most efficient and effective way possible. Through our regular catch-up strategies, we can evaluate the success of our current strategies, make necessary adjustments, and optimise our approach to maximise the chances of achieving a favourable outcome for you. 

At Grayfords, we value your input and understand that your goals are essential to the success of your case. Our commitment to regular catch-up strategies reflects our dedication to providing personalised and client-centered legal services. By working together, we can create a strong partnership and develop strategies that align with your vision and aspirations. 

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At Grayfords, we believe in the power of strategic partnerships to enhance the quality and efficiency of our legal services. We understand that legal matters often require expertise in various specialised areas, and that's why we have established strong relationships with trusted and renowned specialists in both family law, private client law, and therapy and mental health support.

Our strategic partnerships enable us to provide a streamlined and comprehensive legal service to our clients. When your case requires consultation or assistance in specific areas of the law, we have the resources and connections to quickly and efficiently engage the right experts. 

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At Grayfords, we value the importance of offering a well-rounded legal service to our clients. Our strategic partnerships enable us to tap into a wealth of expertise and resources, ultimately enhancing the quality and effectiveness of our services. You can trust that we have the necessary connections to consult with specialists whenever needed, ensuring that every aspect of your case is addressed with proficiency and efficiency while also supporting you on a personal level as needed.

Time for you


At Grayfords, we understand the value of time, and we prioritise our clients by ensuring that they receive the attention and support they need throughout their legal journey. Unlike other family law and firms, we never claim to be too busy for our clients. We believe that effective communication is essential, and our team is always accessible and responsive to your needs.

Whether you have a question, or concern, or need an update on your case, our dedicated team of family law and private client law experts will be readily available to assist you. We go the extra mile to ensure that you can reach us conveniently and promptly. You can count on us to answer your calls or reply to your messages on platforms like WhatsApp, enabling efficient and effective communication.

Our commitment to internal collaboration and dynamism ensures that there is always someone available to address your family law or private client law case. We understand that legal matters can be time-sensitive, and we strive to provide timely and accurate advice. You can rely on our team's collective knowledge and expertise to guide you through the complexities of family law and private client law.

At Grayfords, we recognise that your time is valuable, and we respect that by being responsive, accessible, and dedicated to your case. We prioritise open and transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way. You can trust that we will dedicate the necessary time and attention to your legal matters, ensuring that you feel supported and well taken care of.

Specialised Service


At Grayfords, we offer a specialised range of services across both family law and private client law, tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. With a focus on honesty, empathy, and pragmatism, we provide reliable legal advice that is designed to help our clients achieve success in their legal matters. 

In the realm of family law, we understand the emotional challenges that can arise during sensitive family disputes. Our team of experienced family law solicitors provides compassionate support and guidance throughout the process. Whether you are going through a divorce, child custody battle, or dealing with complex property division, we have the expertise to navigate these intricate matters while prioritising your best interests. 

In the field of private client law, we recognise the complexities and demands that business owners and HNWIs face in today's dynamic marketplace. Our private client law services encompass a wide range of areas including wealth planning, asset management, trusts, wills, probate, and lasting powers of attorney. We aim to be your trusted legal partner, offering strategic advice and solutions that align with your commercial objectives as you navigate your family matter. 

At Grayfords, we believe in fostering long-term exceptional working relationships with our clients. Our dedicated team goes above and beyond to understand your unique circumstances and provide tailored legal solutions that anticipate your individual needs. We pride ourselves on delivering an outstanding personal service level, ensuring that you feel supported and informed throughout your legal journey.  

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