Family Law Blog : Divorce & Separation

Guidance and advice on divorce, separation, and family law matters

Why is my divorce taking so long?

Divorce can be a challenging experience at the best of times. So, it’s understandable that you would want to be sure that the process is as straightforward, efficient, and quick as possible. Your divorce may be taking a long time owing to court backlogs, disagreements over finances or children, communication…

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Conditional Order in Divorce

There are various stages to the divorce process in England and Wales. Regardless of whether you are making a sole or joint application, you will always need to apply to the courts for a Conditional Order (formerly referred to as a Decree Nisi). A conditional order is a stage in…

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What is void and voidable marriage in the UK?

The grounds for getting an annulment in the UK are very strict. Statistics from ONS indicate that only 231 annulments took place in 2021, which tells us that annulments in the UK are rare. For an annulment to be granted, a marriage must be either ‘void’ or ‘voidable’. This can be a…

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Annulment vs divorce: What’s the difference?

There are many reasons why couples tend to view annulment as the preferred option when compared to divorce. This includes situations where there are religious or cultural reasons for not wanting a divorce, where a couple have not been married for 12 months and are unable to legally divorce, or…

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What is legal separation in the UK?

There are many reasons why a couple may choose a legal separation as opposed to applying for a divorce or civil partnership dissolution. Whether for religious or cultural reasons, or because a couple have been married or in a civil partnership for less than a year, a legal separation is…

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Separation Agreements: Are they legally binding?

Separation Agreements: Are they legally binding?

Knowing where you stand during separation can be very difficult to comprehend, especially where you share children and/or financial assets. One solution to remedy this confusion would be a separation agreement, which outlines the terms and conditions that govern the separation. This includes the division of assets and any financial…

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No fault divorce: pros and cons

Couple next to tree

Since April 2022, couples in England and Wales have been able to take advantage of a new ‘no fault’ divorce process, under the terms of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020. This represents a significant change to how divorce works in England and Wales, so it is important for…

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How to tell children about divorce

Tell children about divorce together as a team, using simple, honest language to explain that you are separating but still love them. Emphasise that the decision is permanent, not their fault, and explain practical changes to their daily life. Reassure them of your continued love and support during this transition….

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How to divorce amicably in 6 easy steps

An amicable divorce involves cooperating to end a marriage with minimal conflict, focusing on respectful communication, shared goals, and fair, prompt negotiations. Utilise methods like joint applications, mediation, and transparent financial disclosure to avoid litigation, prioritise children’s well-being, and reduce emotional and financial costs. At first glance, you may think…

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Divorce advice and tips for women and mothers in the UK

Mother and children

Divorce advice for women emphasises securing financial independence, hiring specialist legal counsel, and prioritising mental health. Key steps include gathering financial documents, understanding your rights to assets/property, and planning for children. Focus on making informed decisions rather than acting on emotion, ensuring you have long-term financial stability. Divorce can be…

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Who gets to stay in the house during separation?

During a separation, the right to stay in the home is determined by variables such as ownership status, marital status, and the presence of children. In general, anyone specified in the deed or tenancy agreement has the right to stay. Married couples have “home rights” that allow them to remain…

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How to divorce on the grounds of unreasonable behaviour

Recent changes to the way divorce proceedings are handled in the UK have provided much needed reform to the previous laws which dated back to 1973. These new divorce laws have removed the need to place blame on a partner by using reasons such as ”unreasonable behaviour”. Now, the only…

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