Divorce

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Divorce

Making the decision to separate or divorce can be one of the most stressful and upsetting experiences you will face. It is a time when you will be looking for advice and support to make sure that you’re aware of all the options available to you.

Executing a divorce is not straightforward and My Legal Club offers an extensive range of options to help you. As an example, it might be that mediation, legal aid, online or specialist solicitors are the best option for you.

At My Legal Club, our recommended specialist solicitor would ensure that your divorce is handled in a sensitive and supportive manner. We are aware of the emotional toll that divorce can take on any children involved, and we would be mindful to keep their best interests at heart. 

My Legal Club has a strict code of standards for customer care and support. All our highly recommended solicitors have agreed to abide by our code of standards. We will undertake regular checks to ensure that all our members are receiving the high levels of service we, and our panel of solicitors, are committed to providing. 

Committed to our Clients

My Legal Club is committed to providing great service to our clients. You do not have to be a member to access our highly recommended specialist panel solicitors.

Our cherry-picked third-party panel of solicitors supports individuals and businesses across all areas of law.

Anytime you, your family, or your business require legal support get in touch with us for legal support and no-obligation quotes from our cherry-picked solicitor panel.

Divorce | Did you know?

Did you know up to 50% of divorces are rejected every year due to errors in the divorce forms? That is a staggering statistic and an issue we at My Legal Club want to ensure you avoid.

Did you know taking the wrong advice, or using the wrong DIY/online divorce pack can leave you open to claims in the future even though you have been divorced?

Divorce | Our recommendation

Our recommendation is to always seek legal advice in first instance.

Speak to one of our highly recommended solicitors and then consider your options and what is the best fit for you and your situation. It may be that mediation and solicitors is the best option for you. Alternatively, it may be that a DIY/online divorce is the best option.

You can speak with our solicitors by contacting us via the contact us form on our website or via email at info@mylegalclub.co.uk.

Pros and Cons of using a solicitor

Pros:

  • Solicitors will advise you on mediation. If the mediation is successful then you can return to the solicitor and they will only charge you for drafting the documents required as a result of the mediation being successful
  • If things are not amicable then solicitors can help prevent further issues arising and hopefully reduce any animosity between the parties
  • If children, assets, finances are involved solicitors can provide you with invaluable guidance and support
  • If you can’t come to an agreement with each other or if there are problems with costs, such as who should pay the divorce fee, you should consider using solicitors
  • A solicitor can help you decide on which of the grounds for divorce you want to use and advise you on what evidence will be required
  • Solicitors will speak to your partner and/or their solicitor, so you do not have to
  • If the matter proceeds to court the solicitor will speak on your behalf
  • Your divorce will be far more likely to be accepted by the court

Cons:

  • Costs will increase (when compared to alternative options such as DIY/online divorce)
  • The process can sometimes take longer to complete
  • If the wrong solicitor is selected they may use a hammer to crack a nut and frustrate / anger the other party. (panel solicitors of My Legal Club have been cherry picked to avoid this issue)
  • Even if you have a fantastic solicitor there is no guarantee your partner will instruct a friendly solicitor who aims to secure amicable solutions

Pros and Cons of a DIY/online divorce

Pros: 

  • If the divorce is straight forward, researched correctly, and executed correctly it can be a very simple process
  • Save time. The process can be completed very quickly either online
  • Greater flexibility. You can execute the divorce at times which suit you e.g. no time off work is required
  • Save money. The savings can be thousands of pounds when compared to using solicitors
  • Amicable process. If the situation between the parties involved is amicable then there is no reason for there to be an increase in, or indeed any, hostility
  • Proven process. Thousands of people have executed DIY/online divorces to great success

Cons:

  • If children, assets, property, or finances are involved both protecting yourself and reaching an agreement the court will accept becomes more difficult without a solicitor
  • Many people are mistaken in believing a separation agreement is legally binding (it is not), and a divorce doesn’t cut all your financial ties
  • It is highly likely you will still need a solicitor to draft the relevant Consent Order. In every divorce, you will need a Financial Consent Order, or a Clean Break Order. The Government advises “you need to get a solicitor to draft a ‘consent order’ and ask a court to approve it – this makes it legally binding”. Our highly recommended specialist solicitors will do this for you but there is a fee to pay. (our members receive a unique discount against such fees.)
  • If you remarry you may lose the right to make a claim
  • Lack of legal advice on critical issues, such as, pensions, property, ownership, maintenance (amounts and duration), how vulnerable are you to a claim in the future?
  • Lack of guidance on the grounds for divorce, no legal advice in respect of ‘unreasonable behaviour examples’

Mediation

Speak to our highly recommended solicitors who will advise you in more detail regarding mediation.

Mediation isn’t free, but it’s quicker and cheaper than going to court. If you’re on a low income you might be able to get legal aid to pay for some of the mediation.

Mediation would save money as a solicitor would only be instructed to draft the documents relating to the mediation agreement for the divorce.

Mediation is a way of reaching an agreement on any issues between you and your partner, with the help of an independent third person (mediator) who won’t take sides. All issues are discussed, e.g. children, money, property etc.

No one can force you to go to mediation. If your divorce ends up going to court due to outstanding issues (because you could not reach an agreement) then you need to prove you’ve been to a mediation information and assessment meeting (MIAM).

There are some exceptions when you don’t have to go to MIAM, e.g. if you’ve suffered domestic abuse.

If your partner doesn’t want to see a mediator, then contact the mediator and explain the situation.

Are you entitled to discounts?

Legal Aid:

In recent years the Government made drastic changes to legal aid. This reduces the chances of receiving legal aid for divorce and/or mediation. Further guidance can be located here.

You may qualify for legal aid if you satisfy any of the below:

  • you or your family are at risk of abuse or serious harm, for example domestic violence or forced marriage
  • you’re at risk of homelessness or losing your home
  • you’ve been accused of a crime, face prison or detention
  • you’re being discriminated against
  • you need family mediation
  • you’re adding legal arguments or bringing a case under the Human Rights Act

Reduction in court fees:

The court fee payable in all divorces is set at £550.00.

You may receive reductions or waivers in respect of the fee. Further information can be obtained here https://www.gov.uk/get-help-with-court-fees

Eligibility is subject to the below:

Savings

You need to have less than £3,000 in savings and investments if you’re under 61.

You can have up to £16,000 in savings if your fee is between £1,000 and £10,000, or if you or your partner are 61 and over.

Benefits

You need to be on a low income, or on one of the following benefits:

  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Income Support
  • Universal Credit (and you earn less than £6,000 a year)
  • Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
  • Scottish Civil Legal Aid (not Advice and Assistance, or Advice by Way of Representation)
  • Income
  • If you’re not on any of those benefits, you need to earn less than £1,085 a month before tax if you’re single, or £1,245 if you have a partner

You can earn an extra £245 on top of that for each child you have.

For example, if you have a partner and 2 children you must earn less than £1,735 to be eligible for help with court fees.

If your partner makes you uncomfortable/ threatened / scared

You can call Refuge or Women’s Aid on 0808 2000 247 at any time

Men’s Advice Line is also a charity that helps men suffering domestic abuse. You can call their helpline on 0808 801 0327 between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

The basics

As with many situations, the process of divorce is a lot more cost-effective and straightforward if both parties are amicable. Also, there will need agreements over matters such as the family home, living arrangements, child maintenance, any shared businesses. 

To begin divorce proceedings there are several factors that need to be satisfied, namely:

  • You have been married for at least a year
  • Your relationship has broken down and you satisfy one of the five grounds for divorce (see below)
  • You have a permanent home in England/Wales
  • You have a marriage that is legally recognised in the UK

Further information

Further information is included in the sections below.

Do not hesitate to get in touch with us via the contacts us forms or via email at info@mylegalclub.co.uk.

Divorce – Frequently Asked Questions

What are grounds for divorce?

The five grounds for divorce are: 

  • Adultery – unless you lived with your husband/wife for longer than 6 months after the adultery commenced
  • Unreasonable behaviour – this could include physical or verbal abuse, drug or drink addiction 
  • Desertion – e.g. one party has walked out without reason
  • Lived apart for 2 years and agree to divorce
  • Lived apart for 5 years even if one party refuses to agree to the divorce
What are examples of unreasonable behaviour?

Some examples of unreasonable behaviour are included below: (this is not an exhaustive list)

  • Isolation – e.g. never socialising or spending any time together.
  • Separate lives – e.g. too much time spent on hobbies and work meaning no time for one another etc
  • Lack of sexual intercourse / affection
  • Addiction / Lifestyle – e.g. gambling, drugs, drink, mounting debts etc
  • Negative feelings as a result of verbal abuse / bullying
Unreasonable behaviour – the basics

Unreasonable behaviour is the most common reason grounds for divorce.

As with any divorce one of the crucial factors is whether the divorce is amicable (or as amicable as it can be).

Unless you satisfy other grounds, it can be difficult for one party to accept unreasonable behaviour.

It is important for both parties to note:

  • The divorce is private
  • Defending a divorce because you do not agree with the behaviours listed is a waste of time and money in most cases. A more suitable alternative is to respond to the divorce papers in the acknowledgement of service stating you will not contest the divorce but not agree to the allegations made against you.

A detailed explanation in respect of each allegation will be needed. If you are drafting this yourself aim for 3 – 6 paragraphs per allegation.

If you are the person petitioning for divorce you will need to cite the behaviour of your partner has caused the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

Time limits and unreasonable behaviour

You have 6 months from the date of the last incident cited as unreasonable behaviour to issue your petition for divorce.

If you have missed this deadline there are alternatives and we would recommend seeking legal advice from one of our highly recommended solicitors.

What is the divorce process?

Within the divorce process there are 3 key stages:

  • filing for a divorce petition
  • application for a decree nisi
  • decree absolute – which will legally end your marriage

This does not include any Consent Order (as discussed above) which needs to be drafted and filed to the Court during the process.

How long does a divorce take?

If the parties are reasonable in their attitude, and efficiency in responding to matters, then it can take 4-6 months from start to finish.

How much does a divorce cost?

It depends on which route you decide to choose, e.g. to file the divorce yourself online, or to use a DIY/online service, or to instruct a solicitor with possible mediation.

  • £550.00 issue fee to the Court (unless you qualify for fee remission / legal aid)
  • A fixed fee for a DIY/Online Divorce pack (you can do it yourself online with no additional support for free)
  • If a Consent Order is required this would cost £299 plus VAT with our highly recommended panel solicitors (members of My Legal Club receive a discount against this price)
  • If solicitors are required to manage the whole process then they will usually quote a fixed fee. (members of My Legal Club receive a discount against this price)
  • Mediation would also be a fixed fee and then you need to decide whether you want to draft the relevant documents post mediation yourself or instruct a solicitor to do so

"We contacted My Legal Club to get some legal advice and they were super responsive, very professional and they explained everything really well. I would highly recommend My Legal Club to others."

Jessica Kamal

"Great service, made moving house really easy and super stress-free. They are so helpful, nothing is ever a problem, any issues or assistance you need with regards to the conveyancing process, these guys are here for you, to check and chase up any issues with solicitors to make the process as stress-free as possible!"

Mike Doyle

"1st class experience with Sean. Punctual, clear, and precise and nothing is a problem. Would thoroughly recommend.​"

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Get In Touch

Here at My Legal Club, we strive in bringing high-quality service to all clients via our highly specialist third-party solicitor panel.

Get in touch via the below contact us form and please check your inbox and spam folders for emails from info@mylegalclub.co.uk.

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