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

Amanda was amazing.  The whole process was fast, communication was second to none and everything was explained very clearly and thoroughly.  I would highly recommend New Leaf Solicitors as Amanda will help to make divorce as painless and amicable as possible.  Many thanks.

LR

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

Great feedback from a client referred from a mediation service..

Amanda was always calm and methodical and didn’t escalate issues based on my ‘panics’!  New Leaf acted professionally and courteously.  My queries were answered promptly with helpful responses and good advice.  I would certainly recommend New Leaf.

Mr J W

A client testimonial for Kelly Bruton.

“I employed Kelly’s services after my FDR Hearing. Up until that point I had thought I would be able to represent myself and didn’t expect the financial dispute process to be so complicated and worrying.

Kelly helped in so many ways, easily building my complete trust that she understood my case. She helped me write my respondents statement in a clear and understanding manor with almost no time or effort needed on my part.

Kelly helped to the end of the process, employing a great barrister to use in my final hearing, at which I achieved the result I had hoped for.

I would recommend anyone who is going through this process to put your mind at rest and employ Kelly’s services”.

Mr S, Southampton

Whether or not to begin the divorce process is a difficult decision, 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 make sure you don’t have to rush off anywhere.  You will find it difficult to focus if your eye is on the clock.  Also, allow yourself some time after the meeting to reflect on what’s been said.  Maybe sit down for half an hour