10 Tips For Couples Considering Divorce Or Separation In 2022
Getting a divorce can be long and daunting process, but with the right help and guidance, you can make it as amicable as possible. For any couples considering getting a divorce or separation this year, we share our top tips to help you assess your current situation and give you the initial information you need when starting the divorce process.
The Geldards Family Team can help you at any point during the process. Some of our divorce lawyers are also trained Mediators who can work with couples to try and help them achieve a solution that meets both party’s needs.
If you or anyone you know are considering separation, then please seek help as soon as possible. With the additional difficulties couples are facing due to Covid-19, it is more important than ever to reduce the stress of separation as much as possible.
Here are 10 key points to bear in mind for couples considering divorce:
1. You need to have been married or in a civil partnership for a year before you can apply for a divorce/dissolution of your marriage.
2. Be prepared for the divorce process to take a while
It can often take between 6-12 months for a divorce to be finalised, longer if you and your partner cannot reach an agreement on financial matters.
3. There is only one ground for a divorce and that is if your marriage has irretrievably broken down.
4. No fault divorce coming into force in April 2022
No fault divorce (where there is no requirement to show blame by either party) is due to come into force in April 2022, which will allow couples to divorce without being forced either to establish blame or a period of separation in order to end their marriages.
5. You can apply for divorce online
Divorce proceedings can now be processed online. This is quick and efficient and means cases are processed much more readily.
6. You can get a divorce even if your partner doesn’t want to
This is providing you have examples of your partner’s unreasonable behaviour (and 1 year has passed since the date of the marriage).
7. There is a Court fee of £550 to issue a divorce petition.
8. You don’t have to divorce for arrangements in relation to your home and finances to be sorted.
You may decide to enter into a separation agreement. You may not feel ready to go through the divorce process, or you may hope to be able to reconcile with your partner and that’s fine.
9. Think about the future
It’s important to think about what your lives will look like after your divorce. For example, where you are both going to live, your careers and how your finances are going to work.
10. There is nothing stopping you reaching an agreement with your partner yourself.
Court should be a last resort. It is expensive, stressful and there are severe delays in listing hearings at the moment partly due to Covid. You may wish to consider mediation or a solicitor to negotiate on your behalf.
If you’d like more information or legal advice, please contact a member of our experienced family law team below.