Your Local Independent 198

September 2025 Page 3 AD SALES 01204 478812 Bury Head Office 2 Manchester Road, Bury Lancashire, BL9 0DT. T: 0161 764 5266 Open 9AM-5PM Little Lever Office 58 Market Street, Little Lever Bolton, BL3 1HN. T: 01204 709959 Open 9AM-5PM www.clough-willis.co.uk @BurySolicitor info@clough-willis.co.uk We believe that experience counts when it comes to matters of family and personal law. Our team of specialist solicitors provide free, 20 minute consultations on the following: • Employment Law • Wills, Probate, Trusts & Tax Planning • Personal Injury • Family Matters • Property Law • Litigation/Dispute Resolution Call us now on 0800 083 0815 to book your free appointment! Loyal, resilient and trustworthy Advertiser’s announcement FACING the breakdown of a mar- riage or long-term relationship is one of the most stressful life experiences with a whole range of emotional turmoil – from anger and distress to thoughts of loss and the worry of an uncer- tain future. It is therefore cru- cial that you obtain expert legal advice at an early stage. Each family, marriage or relation- ship is unique and it is never a case of one size fits all. Obtaining advice face to face from a qualified professional is very important. At Clough and Willis, we pride our- selves on providing support, empa- thy and guidance at each and every step. We understand that trust is at the core of everything we do and so it is vital for you to feel comfortable with us. We are confident that at the end of the process you should feel you have maintained your dignity and self-re- spect and can move on with your life. The following are some examples of the questions that are put to us on a regular basis. My wife and I have agreed to separate. We have been led to believe that it is possible to apply for a divorce based upon the fact that we have simply grown apart. Is this correct? No. The sole ground for divorce is the irretrievable breakdown of your Chiara Ozuzu, solicitor in the Family Law Department at Clough & Willis answers your questions on divorce and separation WHENRELATIONSHIPS BREAKDOWN My wife and I have decided there is no future in our marriage. We have two young children whose upbringing I have been actively involved in given that I am quite fortunate to have very flexible working arrangements. I believe it would be good for the children for this to continue but I do not think my wife will agree because this may affect the amount she receives by way of a financial settlement and maintenance. Is there any point pursuing shared care? Yes, there certainly is. The paramount consideration is the welfare of your children. The arrangements for your children must be resolved before the financial settlement. It would be much better for your family as a whole if you and your wife were able to reach an agreement rather than the Court having to impose a decision upon you. You could try and resolve matters at Family Mediation. We would be able to refer you to an appropriate service. If you are unable to agree then you couldmake an application to the Court for a Child Arrangements Order. Shared care arrangements are becoming more commonplace given that a lot of fathers like you have more flexible working arrangements and many women now work full time and require more help with childcare. The arrangements do not have to actu- ally be an exact division of time on a 50\50 basis. l For further information on any of the above or any other family matter contact Chiara Ozuzu or Lee Marston for a free, no obligation interview on 0161 764 5266 marriage. If you want to apply for a divorce immediately then this must be supported by one of two facts, either adultery or unreasonable behaviour. We will be able to advise you whether the “behaviour” complained of is sufficient. The majority of peo- ple are often surprised that it is not necessary to go into too much detail or to exaggerate. Alternatively, if you and your wife agree, one of you could apply for a divorce after you have lived sepa- rately for over two years provided the other is prepared to provide their written agreement. My husband and I would like to try and reach an amicable settlement regarding our financial position. However, at present I do not feel confident that I know enough about my husband’s circumstances to reach an informed decision. Are you able to suggest a way forward? Yes. It will be necessary for your husband to provide what is referred to as full and frank disclosure of his income, capital and pension provision and to provide documents in support. Once you are satisfied this has been done you will know what resources are available and negotiations can then begin which will hopefully result in an amicable agreement. This can be made legally binding by the Court by way of a Consent Order. NEWS IN BRIEF CHORLEY Council is inviting rural businesses across the borough to apply for support through the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). It has been awarded £120,000 has been allocated to support new and existing rural enterprises with initiatives such as launching a new product into a new domestic or overseas market. EIGHT parks and open spaces across Chorley have received Green Flag quality mark awards. Astley Park, Yarrow Valley Country Park, Coronation Recreation Ground, Rangletts Recreation Ground, Harpers Recreation Ground, Tatton Gardens, Carr Brook Linear Park and Withnell Nature Reserve met the standards required for the accreditation. THE John Holt Community Centre in Westhoughton is organising a ‘Bingo, Butties and Brews’ event. It will take place every Tuesday afternoon during school term times between 12.30pm and 2.30pm, starting on September 2. Organisers are offering free butties, paninis, brews and cakes and some friendly games of bingo. A towering effort Repair work: The church tower is getting some tender loving care (Photo credit: Holy Trinity Church) VITAL work to repair Horwich’s Holy Trinity Church’s iconic tower is well underway. The parapet stonework and tower pinnacles are being repaired and replaced, with the tower now wrapped in scaffolding. And a photographic update of the work has been posted on the church’s Facebook page. An appeal was launched last year to save the crum- bling tower and to prevent its much-loved bells fall- ing silent. The community was asked to come together to raise at least £40,000 of the £230,000 needed to carry out repairs on the local landmark, which was built almost 200 years ago. The campaign received a vital £20,000 cash boost, sharing in a £871,696 urgent funding payout from the National Churches Trust. The grant is paying for urgent repairs to the iconic tower to help make it safe again and stopping it from deteriorating any further while fundrais- ing continues.