If you’re even thinking about getting a divorce, you’re bound to be feeling a huge range of emotions. Most of these emotions are difficult to navigate and can make it tricky to determine what your next steps should be. While every situation is unique, one thing remains consistent across all instances: you should never go through this alone. Contemplating divorce can be an extremely isolating experience, but with Affordable Justice, it doesn’t have to be. We’re an all-women team of family law specialists dedicated to providing low-cost legal advice to women. So, even if you’re not in a position to take action, we’re here to lend a listening ear and offer support.
Initial Steps for Divorce
When considering divorce, you must first assess your eligibility. To file for divorce in England and Wales, you must have been married for at least one year, the marriage must be legally recognised in the UK, and you or your spouse must have a permanent home in England or Wales.
It goes without saying that divorce is a huge step, so you may consider other options before you commit to such a decision. For instance, you could consider mediation, especially if you need to agree on child arrangements or finances. In fact, courts may expect you to try mediation first in these instances.
You should also seek legal advice, as this will help ensure that your rights are protected. Here at Affordable Justice, we specialise in family law advice, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need some guidance.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a process in which an independent, trained professional helps separating or divorcing couples resolve disputes without going to court. The process focuses on helping couples agree on practical arrangements for children, money, and property.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Divorce?
Typically speaking, divorce is a rather drawn-out process due to mandatory waiting periods.
After your application is issued, there is a mandatory 20-week “reflection period” before you can apply for a Conditional Order. Following this being pronounced, there is then a six-week and 1 day wait before applying for the Final Order, which legally ends the marriage.
The total timeframe will vary depending on whether issues regarding finances are disputed.
How to Start Divorce Proceedings
You can apply for a divorce online or by post. The government provides an online service, as well as a paper form, which is called a D8 (otherwise known as a divorce application). You can apply on your own, which is known as a “sole application”, or jointly with your spouse, which is called a “joint application”.
Once you submit your application, you’ll be required to pay the court fee. Currently, this stands at £612, but help with fees may be available for those on a low income. Upon receiving payment, the court will issue the application, formally notifying your spouse (the respondent).
Which Documents Do I Need for a Divorce?
The documents required for a divorce are as follows:
- Marriage certificate (original or a certified copy plus a certified translation of the certificate if you were married abroad).
- Proof of name change (if your name differs from the marriage certificate).
AJ is Here to Guide You, Every Step, Every Decision
The whole process can seem so clinical. In reality, though, divorce is a deeply emotional process, and one for which women often don’t receive the sensitivity and support that they need.
At Affordable Justice, we want to change that. Whether you’re ready to make a decision or you’re just in the process of exploring your options, we’re here to help. Taking the first step often tends to be the most difficult, but we’re dedicated to making it that little bit easier.
One of our core goals is to ensure that legal advice and representation are available to all women, no matter their financial situation. As a registered charity, we are able to offer our professional help and support at our non-profit making rate, which is typically less than a third of that charged by commercial high street law firms.
Please be reassured that all communication with us is confidential. You can either fill out the form on our contact page with a brief description of what your enquiry is about to schedule a confidential call with one of our expert women solicitors, or give us a call directly at 01482 711003.
No pressure, no commitment; just support in which you set the boundaries.