What is the Current Divorce Law?

Some might say this has been a long time overdue but a change is now on the horizon. The Government has submitted a proposed change to existing divorce law for Parliament to debate which if agreed will amend the current procedure for divorce across England and Wales. This will allow separating couples to divorce more quickly and without blame.

Existing Law

At present to divorce the parties need to have been married for 1 year and the petitioner has to show that the marriage has broken down irretrievably by stating one of five facts:

Adultery
Unreasonable behaviour
Desertion for at least two years
Living apart for at least two years with consent from your spouse to divorce
Living apart for at least five years

This means that if you wish to divorce prior to being separated for 2 years you must show some blame/fault on the part of your spouse either by way

Another happy client of Kelly’s

“Kelly seems to have a very calming nature so even at very stressful points of the divorce process she made it very easy and understandable.  I can’t compare prices as I didn’t get quotes from others but it seemed very reasonable especially when it also came to the clean break element.  Thank you Kelly for all your help”.

Mrs P

This is a repeat of an earlier article but the feedback from our clients is that the information is really helpful and informative and so here is an update to our guide to your first meeting with us.   

We recognise that the decision of whether or not to begin the divorce process is a difficult one, and deciding to consult a family law solicitor can be the hardest step to take.  Even if you are not sure what you want to do, we can offer valuable, impartial advice in an initial meeting which will help you work things out.

These are some things to consider, when coming to see us, to make sure you get the best out of the meeting.

Make time

There will be a lot you wish to discuss, and there will be a lot to take in. Leave plenty of time to get all of your thoughts together and

A lovely testimonial from a client;

From beginning to end Amanda has always been very approachable.  Nothing was ever too much trouble.  The entire proceedings were handled professionally.  Always kept up to date with what was going on and Amanda always showed enthusiasm at the times when I was at my lowest and empathy.  She has supported me through a very stressful and difficult phase of my life.

GS

Another positive testimonial…

Thanks Amanda.  You were perfect.  Just want I needed.  Calm sensible approach without the formal jargon.  I hopefully won’t need you again though 🙂

JB

Amanda was always willing to explain the process to me on all the parts along the way that I was not familiar with.  She explained this in a way that I understood.  I was always confident in her ability and when she said something would happen within a certain time frame it did.  I was very happy with the service.  It was nice to deal with a professional that gets things done.

Mrs N D

The summer holidays are nearly upon us, and that can mean challenges for separated and divorced parents.  Unlike Christmas, or half term, the holidays are long, and tension can pop up in all sorts of places.  As well as actually holidays, there are also childcare, back to school and financial issues to take into account.

However forewarned is forearmed, and some thought and planning will allow you to manage six weeks relatively unscathed.

First the good news.  Separated parents can divide time between them.  Whereas before, a summer holiday would be taken together, now you will be taking separate holidays and spending time with your children alone.  This can often take up 4 of the 6 weeks, which can be a distinct advantage.

It’s not all plain sailing though, and issues can arise. Here are some tips on how you can avoid them.

Advanced planning

You should have already decided when your children will be

Whether you are ironing the bunting as we speak, or finding somewhere to hide for the day, there is no doubt that Royal Wedding fever is upon us.

Amidst the bridesmaid, carriage and dress speculation, in all the press coverage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle impending wedding, there has been much discussion of potential pre-nup agreements and their decision not to have one.

This seems unusual as they are both wealthy people in their own right and both have divorced parents. Meghan is also American, where they are far more commonplace.

However this is a royal wedding and it is not something that royals do.  No royal marriage has involved one in the past and, maybe surprisingly, that includes Prince William and Kate Middleton. Pre-nups are considered the territory of footballers and celebrities and not our future monarchs.  In addition, although Prince Harry is undoubtedly wealthy by anyone’s standards, the majority of