Relationships can go through many changes during their lifetime. The ending of a marriage can be a distressing time whether you have taken the decision or your spouse has taken it for you. We appreciate how traumatic the end of a marriage can be and we aim to assist our clients giving consideration to the emotional stress they will be going through by taking away the burden of dealing with the legal formalities involved in a marriage breakdown.
We can advise and guide you through this process, drafting the necessary papers and dealing with the Court on your behalf. In the event of you having received a divorce petition, we can deal with this quickly on your behalf to protect your interests.
There is one ground for divorce in this country - the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, based on one of five facts which must be proved by the person asking for the divorce (the Petitioner):
- Adultery of the other partner
- Unreasonable behaviour
- Separation over two years with the other party consenting
- Separation of five years where consent is unnecessary
- Desertion (rarely used)
It is not possible to petition for divorce within the first year of marriage (although this does not apply to petitions for the annulment of the marriage or judicial separation actions).
The Court process can take between four and six months from the issue of proceedings to the grant of the Decree Absolute (the final decree which dissolves the marriage). This does not necessarily include dealing with financial issues and/or children disputes which may arise and the time can vary from Court to Court. You may of course be advised not to apply for the Decree Absolute until the finances have been resolved.
Our aim in all cases of divorce is to bring about a successful conclusion to your case – with the minimum of distress. Dealing with matters in a conciliatory way is always advisable. The family law department at Setfords Solicitors follow the Code of Practice of Resolution, adopting a robust but sympathetic approach to your problems with the expertise and assistance needed at this difficult time.
Please telephone us on 01483 408780 or e-mail info@setfords.co.uk
