It’s that time of year again.
We come back down with a bump after the Christmas festivities into another new year.
Commonly, this is a time for us all to think about the year ahead. As all family lawyers will tell you, January is well renowned for being one of the busiest months of the year, as sad as it is to admit it. If you have been experiencing difficulties in your marriage, whether recently or for a prolonged period, the new year is seen as the time to do something about it.
Before you decide that your marriage is at an end, I want to provide you with the following advice for you to consider if a DIVORCE is right for you.
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oes it feel right?We know that divorce or separation is a huge step. If there is any hope that your relationship can be salvaged, you must attempt to do so. Marriage therapy or counselling is a great start and can really help you as a couple with your difficulties and how to try and solve them.
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rretrievable breakdownHas your marriage broken down irretrievably with no hope of a reconciliation? You are only able to apply for a divorce if this is the case.
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alidityDoes separation feel the logical way forward with all issues considered? We all know that every relationship has its complexities, as well as its ups and downs. If beginning the divorce process has cogency for you, please contact me to arrange your free initial advice call for help and advice.
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nline divorce processthe application for divorce is entirely an online process, save for limited circumstances. Please go to www.gov.uk as you will be able to scroll through the online divorce process to familiarise yourself with the questions that are asked and how the process will work. You will need to have your own details, as well as your spouses.
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easons to divorceIn April 2022 the law for divorce changed dramatically. Up until this time, unless there had been a period of separation, you would have needed to cite blame on behalf of the other party which led to the breakdown of the marriage. This is no longer the case. As of April 2022, you can no longer cast blame against your spouse. It is simply a matter of setting out that the marriage has irretrievably broken down and this by its own virtue enables you to make an application for a divorce.
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ostsThe issue fee for a divorce is £593. This is payable at the time that you submit your application for divorce. This can be a shared fee between yourself and your spouse and this should be agreed in advance. You may well you may be eligible for a fee exemption. Please contact me so that we can discuss whether you are entitled to a fee exemption.
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valuateNow is the time to take stock of your current situation and think about your future and what is right for you. With the information that you have as above, if you feel that a divorce application is the best way forward, please contact me so that you can arrange your free advice telephone call so that I can give you all the information and guidance that you need to begin the process.
If you need more help or advice on divorce matters, please call Jemma on 07534 175310 for advice.
Jemma Wentworth is a family lawyer who offers family law services throughout the UK as a Consultant Legal Executive for Ann McCabe Solicitors.