When a marriage ends, it can be a daunting task to take that first step and apply for a divorce, and it can be even more difficult if you don’t know how the process works or what is to be expected.
It is important to hire a solicitor to support you along the way. If you have children or shared assets it’s even more vital to get yourself a lawyer. Sometimes it can be a long process, so you need to make sure you understand how a divorce works and most importantly what your divorce lawyer will be doing.
Step One: Check You Can Apply For A Divorce
There are some guidelines you need to follow in order to apply for a divorce in England and Wales. One of these is that you need to have been married at least one year, have a permanent home in England or Wales and your marriage needs to be legally recognised in the UK.
There are other options aside from divorce that you can choose without having to end your marriage, such as legal separation.
Step Two: Hire Your Solicitor
After you have understood the guidelines to divorce, you will now need to hire your solicitor. One of the easiest ways to find the best solicitor suited to you is to check the Law Society and use this as a tool to find your local branch.
Another tip is to make sure that they are Resolution accredited, as these firms are dedicated to providing the highest standard of service.
How Will My Solicitor Help My Case?
Your solicitor will play an important role in managing what’s best for you and your case and will ultimately put your points forward, to the opposite party. Your solicitors are key to supporting you, as they are experts in the law and provide a professional approach to your case.
Step Three: Refining The Key Details
The next step is to refine the key details needed such as the grounds for your divorce. Some of the reasons include adultery, unreasonable behaviour, separation length (usually 2 years).
You will also need to file for your divorce, providing yours and your spouse’s full name and address as well as a copy of your marriage certificate and also the names and date of births of your children.
Your solicitor can do this for you, and you will have regular meetings which will help you to understand the process a lot more.
Step Four: Deciding What’s Best For You
After your documents have been verified, the next stage is to choose the best option for you. Firstly, you will need to make sure that you have received a Decree Nisi, which is your document that says the court sees no reason you can’t get a divorce.
The majority of the time if your relationship with your spouse remains amicable you can resolve it without having to go to court. Although, this doesn’t always happen and you may need to go through the dispute resolution process.
You can also choose how to deal with your divorce. Legal firms are now beginning to join the divorce online movement and it now gives you a more convenient option for filing for a divorce.
Come To The Experts…
As a Resolution accredited solicitors, we’re dedicated to providing a high-quality service to each and every one of our clients. We are a professional and experienced team and can support you through the divorce process. Get in touch today for a free initial divorce consultation…
