While we all hope that our marriage will last forever, sometimes relationships break down completely and divorce becomes inevitable. When that happens, you need an experienced divorce lawyer to help guide you through the stages.
Slater and Gordon's experienced divorce lawyers have the understanding and the expertise you need. Call us now on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online today and we will call you.
First and foremost, it's important to understand that the word 'divorce' refers only to the official ending of a marriage contract. There are other issues that need to be considered and dealt with when you divorce, including the division of property,financial supportand arrangements for any children of the marriage.
This brief guide simply explains the main rules and key steps to for ending your contract of marriage.
What are the grounds for divorce in England and Wales?
On 6 April 2022, the government introduced no-fault divorce to replace the previous process, in which the party applying for a divorce would be required to rely on one of five facts to prove the irretrievable breakdown of their marriage; adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, or living separately for two or five years.
This often meant assigning blame to the other party if you want to avoid waiting two years before petitioning the court for a divorce. In turn, this could lead to rather bitter divorce proceedings.
No-fault divorce retains the grounds of irretrievable breakdown, but no longer requires one party to blame the other. It also removes the right to the contest the divorce, though there are still some legal grounds to challenge a divorce in certain circumstances where needed.
How do I start divorce proceedings?
This is done by completing a divorce petition, which asks for information about you and your spouse.
If you’re conducting this task and starting the divorce proceedings, from this point you’ll legally be known as the 'Petitioner', and your spouse as the 'Respondent.'
Our divorce experts can help you to complete the divorce petition and will also advise you on the best ways to minimise costs and conflict in the divorce proceedings.
Our initial consultation costs £150, for 30 minutes, where you’ll gain clarity on the process and the options available to you. We also offer a competitively priced, fixed-fee divorce for just £450 excluding VAT + £593 court fees.
How do I avoid conflict when divorcing?
Emotions can run pretty high during this time, whatever the reasons behind your wish to divorce. That's why in most cases our divorce specialists will advise you to talk to your spouse before you actually file the petition at court. This will avoid them getting such a shock when they receive a copy of the petition in the post, and also gives you the chance to get their agreement in advance.
If you can do this, it can save a lot of time, argument and money. Contested divorces can be both time-consuming and expensive.
How do I apply for a decree nisi?
If your spouse doesn't contest the divorce – or after they have cross-petitioned if they are unhappy with your version of the reasons for the divorce – your divorce lawyer will apply to the court for a declaration called the decree nisi.
The declaration says that the court sees no reason why you shouldn't be granted a divorce but isn't the final word on the matter: that's called a decree absolute.
When can I apply for a decree absolute?
Once your decree nisi has been received, you need to wait six weeks and one day before your solicitor can apply for a decree absolute. Once the court receives this, they can pronounce the decree absolute, which means that you are no longer married and are free to marry again.
Sometimes, if you are also dealing with financial matters, it may be best to wait until there is a financial agreement before you apply for the decree absolute.
What do I do when I receive a divorce petition?
If your spouse decides to divorce you, you must legally be informed of this by receiving a copy of the petition in the post. Whether you want to contest the divorce or not, it's often a good idea to speak to a divorce lawyer at this point.
Some people choose to 'cross-petition' at this point, meaning that you also wish to divorce but won't accept the claims made against you in your spouse's divorce petition.
Even if you're happy for the divorce process to run its course, it's a good idea to speak to an expert divorce lawyer at this point, particularly if there are any financial assets or children that you are going to need to reach an agreement about with your spouse.
How long will my divorce take?
Even the most amicable divorces take from four to six months from the initial divorce petition to the decree absolute stage. However, where one party wishes to contest the divorce or simply drag the process out while financial settlements are agreed, it can take over a year, or even longer in some cases.
Why choose Slater and Gordon's divorce lawyers?
Even when a divorce is by mutual agreement and you wish to remain friends - if only for the sake of any children – divorces can become complex when it comes to things like division of property, financial support and child arrangements.
Our family law experts have all the experience you need to support you throughout the divorce process. Just as importantly, they are firmly committed to minimising conflict and expense wherever possible. Call us now on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online today and we will call you.
The best solicitors to fight your corner! I struggled with a nasty unmarried couple dispute alone for over a year before biting the bullet and paying for proper legal support. I had one previous experience with a cheaper less well-known solicitor and I just felt completely let down and not a priority. But with S&G - from start to finish, I felt supported 100% and valued.
B L (family and personal matters case)
Matters were dealt with efficiently with a view to keeping costs to a realistic level and I am well satisfied with the final settlement she managed to achieve on my behalf.
J B (family and personal matters case)
For anyone needing help with family issues I could not recommend Slater and Gordon highly enough. I always had the feeling I had the best looking after my interests and they certainly didn't disappoint.
C I (family and personal matters case)
The best solicitors to fight your corner! I struggled with a nasty unmarried couple dispute alone for over a year before biting the bullet and paying for proper legal support. I had one previous experience with a cheaper less well-known solicitor and I just felt completely let down and not a priority. But with S&G - from start to finish, I felt supported 100% and valued. B L (family and personal matters case)