We, at RJT solicitors appreciate how difficult it is if you or your partner reach the conclusion that the marriage is over. We conduct ourselves in a sensitive and professional manner in guiding you through the process. Some matters to consider are:-
- Parties need to be married for at least 12 months before starting the divorce process.
- The divorce process is now dealt with online.
- You are no longer required to ‘blame’ the other party for the breakdown of the marriage.
- You will require your original marriage certificate, and, if you were married abroad, a translation of the marriage certificate.
- There is a Court fee payable of £612 although if you are in receipt of state benefits such as Universal Credit you may be able to apply for an exemption of this fee.
- It is possible to issue a sole or a joint application for divorce.
- There is a period of 20 weeks from the time the divorce application is issued by the Court where the divorce itself cannot be progressed. The reason for this is to allow couples an opportunity to try to agree financial matters and issues regarding any children.
- After the expiry of 20 weeks, the person applying for the divorce can make an application for the first stage of the divorce known as the Conditional Order. This is where your names and those of other people getting divorced on the same day are read out in Court. Neither party attends Court.
- 6 weeks and 1 day after that the date of the Conditional Order, the applicant can apply for the Final Divorce Order.
- It is often not appropriate to apply for the Final Divorce Order until financial matters following the breakdown of the marriage have been agreed and incorporated in a Court order approved by the Judge.
- The divorce process and financial matters are separate matters and two separate orders are required to ensure that you have a legally binding agreement.
If you wish to discuss the divorce process and/or related financial matters or issues involving the children give us a call on 01257 228027 or email us at info@rjtsolicitors.co.uk to arrange a free 30 minute consultation.
