Divorcing couples told to stay away from ‘bitter twitter’ rows

By Christine Lavelle

AN EDINBURGH law firm has advised feuding couples to stay away from social networking sites until their divorces have been settled.

A family law solicitor at Gibson Kerr said the trend of using websites like Facebook and Twitter to complain about partners during divorce proceedings is a phenomenon which is sweeping the UK and the United States.

Partner Fiona Rasmusen said: “With social media sites like Facebook and Twitter becoming more and more popular, it’s easy for people going through a divorce to be tempted to share their feelings online.

“In some cases they may post information about the stress they’re under, but equally it could be derogatory or unpleasant accusations leveled against their partner.

Lawyers set up “divorce hotline”

Fiona Rasmusen

By Cara Sulieman

CHRISTMAS is traditionally a time of goodwill and cheer – but for some couples it will end in tears and divorce.

And to help waring spouses get the ball rolling on the proceeding, an legal firm has set up a divorce hotline.

Gibson Kerr in Edinburgh plan to respond quickly to calls over the holiday period from husbands or wives wanting to get out of their failed relationship.

Recent numbers show that 1.8 million people across the UK consider splitting up over Christmas – and counselling service Relate say they receive 50 per cent more calls from married couple at this time of the year.

Donations from Wills halved as charity begins at home

By Oliver Farrimond

SCOTTISH charities are missing out on vital donations from wills, with recession-hit families preferring to secure more money for their loved ones.

Slashed interest rates and plunging property prices have left Scots rushing to ensure that their families don’t miss out on vital legacies in favour of charitable donations.

Edinburgh-based law firm Gibson Kerr have estimated that the total value of charitable donations left in wills has HALVED over the last eighteen months.

Fiona Rasmusen, partner at Gibson Kerr, said: “We all know the credit crunch has had a huge effect on many people in Scotland and the rest of the UK.

“Many people have investments in savings accounts, shares and property, but these have been badly hit by the economic downturn.

“One significant development of this has seen people opt to change the details of their wills to reflect these difficult decisions.

“With savings and investments worth far less than they used to be, people are deciding to leave more money to their families and loved ones – and less to external organisations. ”