Divorce Does Not Have To Be Painful Or Expensive

Marriage is one of the biggest commitments that any person will make in their lifetime, and accordingly the process involved in ending a marriage is complex, but doesn’t necessarily have to be painful or costly for anyone concerned.  To provide a brief introduction to the law, please read on.

To apply for a divorce in England and Wales, the husband and wife must have been married for at least one year and either one or both of them will need to have lived in England and Wales for a year before the divorce application (known as the Petition) is presented to the court. 

There is also the requirement to show that the marriage has “irretrievably broken down” which must be proven by using any one of the five “facts”, which are: adultery; unreasonable behaviour; two years’ desertion; 2 years’ separation and the other party’s consent to a divorce or five years’ separation (no consent needed).

The divorce is, in the majority of cases, an administrative exercise but there are, of course, usually other issues to resolve with respect to the children and/or the family finances.  The assistance of an experienced family solicitor can be invaluable in this regard. 

The way forward in many cases may be mediation and a family solicitor can assist with the necessary referral and provide support throughout the process.  In some cases it may be impossible to reach agreement on issues directly, through mediation or via negotiations through solicitors, and in those cases an application to the court may be the only option.

At Rowberry Morris we pride ourselves in being approachable, understanding and cost effective.  Our emphasis is very much on client care and adopting a sensitive, sensible and conciliatory approach to resolving family disputes.  Our family lawyers are members of Resolution, an organisation whose members believe in a constructive, non-confrontational and efficient approach to family law matters.

If you are in need of advice and assistance in relation to any issues surrounding separation or marriage breakdown, then please contact us on the 01189 812992 and ask for  Partner Mrs Julie Gallimore