Adultery is one of the most common reasons a marriage ends, so it is natural to assume it will shape the divorce. Under the no-fault divorce rules introduced by the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, it does not. Adultery is no longer a basis for divorce, and in almost…
“Amicable” and “divorce” may not seem to belong in the same sentence, and emotions will be running high. But approaching the legal process in a practical, cooperative way saves time, money and further heartache. This guide explains how an amicable divorce works in England and Wales, what it costs, and…
There are many reasons a couple may choose a legal separation rather than a divorce or dissolution: religious or cultural beliefs, having been married for less than a year, or needing time to decide whether the relationship is over. An informal separation can leave you exposed to disputes over joint…
The conditional order is one of the key stages in getting divorced in England and Wales, and one of the most misunderstood, partly because it used to be called something else. If you have started a divorce and reached this point, you are most of the way there. This guide…
For decades, “unreasonable behaviour” was the most common way people got divorced in England and Wales: you had to give examples of your spouse’s conduct to show the marriage had broken down. If you are searching for it now, it is worth knowing that the law has changed. Since no-fault…
When a relationship breaks down, one of the most pressing concerns many people have is what happens to the family home, and whether you can be made to leave it. During a separation, the right to stay in the home is determined by variables such as ownership status, marital status,…
An uncontested divorce in the UK, sometimes referred to as an amicable divorce, simple divorce, or mutual divorce, is a simpler, faster way to end a marriage when both parties agree the relationship has broken down and do not dispute the divorce itself. What is an uncontested divorce? An uncontested…
In brief A final order (formerly called a decree absolute) is the legal document that officially ends your marriage. Under the no-fault divorce system introduced on 6 April 2022, you can apply for your final order six weeks and one day after the court grants your conditional order. The earliest…
In brief Preparing for divorce is about more than paperwork, it means looking after your emotional wellbeing, understanding your financial position, and learning how the legal process works before you take the first formal step. This guide walks you through a practical checklist for divorce preparation in the UK, covering…
In brief Spousal maintenance is financial support paid by one spouse to the other after a marriage ends. It is not an automatic entitlement. Whether you can claim spousal maintenance depends on your financial needs, your ability to support yourself, and your former spouse’s ability to pay. The court considers…
In brief Going through a divorce is one of the most stressful experiences anyone can face, and men often feel unsure where to turn for guidance. The good news is that the law in England and Wales does not favour one gender over the other. Men have the same legal…
In brief There is no fixed formula for what you will receive in a divorce settlement. The court’s starting point is a broadly equal division of matrimonial assets, but the final outcome depends on the specific circumstances of your marriage. Under Section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, the…
