Divorce and Separation

Solicitor for No Fault Divorce Near Me

In April 2021, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 brought no-fault divorce into law in the UK, eliminating the need to assign blame during the divorce process. Before this change, outdated divorce laws required one partner to accept responsibility for the relationship’s breakdown based on one of the following criteria:

• Unreasonable behaviour.
• Separation for at least two years with consent from both parties.
• Adultery.
• Separation for at least five years without consent from both parties.
• Desertion by one party.

No-fault divorce enables couples to initiate divorce proceedings jointly without providing a specific reason for the marriage’s breakdown other than that the relationship has ‘irretrievably’ broken down. Furthermore, contesting a divorce is no longer possible, and the language used has been updated and simplified for accessibility. Our lawyers have embraced this legislative update, as it promotes more amicable proceedings in numerous cases by removing the requirement to place blame.

How We Can Help

At Bowsers Solicitors, our experienced team will guide you through the process as much as you want us to. The earlier you seek legal advice, the easier it will be to determine the level of support you need. Very few divorces are straightforward, and although you should always seek legal advice, here are a few circumstances in which seeking advice is essential:

• If your ex-partner is denying access to your children.
• If you are suffering from financial vulnerability compared to your ex-partner.
• If you have a large number of assets.
• If you are unsure about a fair settlement.
• If you are at risk of domestic violence or homelessness.

For every divorce matter that we work on, we will work using the following points:

• Discuss your options based on your circumstances.
• Explain the process, what needs to be done and when.
• File the necessary forms on your behalf to begin.
• Work with you, your ex-partner and their legal representative to try and reach an agreement without the need to attend court.
• Provide advice and support surrounding where you will live, your children’s arrangements and any other relevant matter.

Accredited Divorce Solicitor

Instructing a trustworthy, reliable and reputable lawyer will be a priority when deciding to separate or divorce. At Bowsers Solicitors, we are proud to work with Resolution and operate under their strict Code of Practice, which promotes constructive negotiation to resolve disputes. Furthermore, Resolution also promotes collaborative law, an innovative route of resolving a dispute without going to court, something that we practice in every case that we work on, intending to reduce the inevitable emotional strain and the financial stress.

Please visit Resolution’s website to learn more about this.

Separation Agreement Solicitor

In some cases, a couple may decide to separate without going through with a divorce. In this case, it is wise to consider and implement a separation agreement. This can be implemented formally or informally and will outline how you and your partner will deal with various matters, including your children, property, business(es) or investments throughout the separation period. Please find out more about this on our dedicated separation agreement page.