At Bowsers Solicitors, we understand how painful filing for divorce can be – but if you have reached this stage, it was likely the right choice. With our Divorce Process Guide, we hope to chaperone you through this difficult time; not only does it come with the dissolution of your marriage, but there are plenty of practical problems that a divorce can pose.
The First Steps For Divorce
There are five main ‘grounds’ for divorce: adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, two years’ separation (consent from both parties), and five years’ separation. If your difficulties fulfil one of these, then the divorce can proceed – otherwise, you face lengthy negotiations.
After one party files for divorce, an intermediary will contact and ‘serve’ the other with divorce papers. The one who directly applied cannot do this – it must be through a third party. The served party acknowledges the receipt of these papers and has the option to contest it, though this is rare.
The Timeframe Of a Divorce
Concessions and negotiations are always important in a divorce to make it fair for both parties, but we must note that this can take time. This is why even a typical divorce commonly takes 4-6 months, and you should not apply for a decree absolute (the dissolution document) until both parties agree upon a divorce process and UK financial settlement. The longer this takes, the more drawn out this will be.
Usually, the court can offer a decree absolute around six weeks after both parties acknowledge the divorce, but it is very rare to make this agreement so swiftly.
Divorce Finances For Cambridge Couples
A Financial Agreement, or financial settlement, is a core part of the divorce that determines the way assets are split between couples. Several factors influence how much each party is entitled to; usually, anything that was purchased before the marriage is covered by a pre-nuptial agreement. There are no hard rules as to how everything is split, but the courts usually start at 50/50 and negotiate from that point.
Divorces can result in financial difficulties for either party during or after the proceedings – negotiations might break down for example. If it is impossible to come to a final agreement, the judge can decide on the matter.
At Bowsers Solicitors, you can be sure that you are choosing the right Divorce Lawyer for the job as we are one of the best UK based family firms. We have had decades of experience sensitively and effectively helping people navigate and conclude divorces. For more information on how a divorce lawyer can help you get through a difficult dissolution, contact us today.
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