Divorce solicitors in Durham
If you’re thinking about divorce, it’s good to get legal advice as soon as possible so that you know what your options are. From there, if you go on to decide to file for a divorce, it’s natural to have lots of questions about the process. You’ll want to know what impact divorce will have on your home, possessions and finances. And if you have children, you’ll want to know how to make the right decisions for them too. Our divorce solicitors in Durham provide expert guidance to help you understand your rights and options from the outset.
We can help make the divorce process easier, providing expert divorce advice and ensuring that you are treated fairly during and following the divorce. Our solicitors will answer all the questions you have, clearly explaining the process and what to expect.
Getting a divorce can sometimes feel like a lonely process but with our divorce solicitors in Durham, you’ll gain the reassurance of having a sympathetic expert on your side to make things easier. We’ll do all we can to ensure that the process runs as quickly and simply as possible so that you can start planning for the future.
We believe in plain speaking and avoid legal jargon, explaining everything in a way that’s clear and easy to understand. We also offer a free, initial, over-the-phone chat so it won’t cost you a penny to find out how we can help you. Plus we’ll explain the costs and timescales involved up front so you always know what to expect.
Contact us today if you’re looking for experienced divorce solicitors in Durham who will provide confidential, sympathetic and friendly advice.
No Fault Divorce
As of 6 April 2022, the No Fault Divorce has come into effect.
A No Fault Divorce allows couples to leave their marriage without having to use one of the five facts to prove your marriage has ‘irretrievably broken down’, you can simply make a declaration together saying that it has.
Can a Couple Jointly Apply for a No Fault Divorce?
Yes. A couple can apply for a no fault divorce singly or jointly. Previously one spouse had to issue divorce proceedings against the other.
The new law doesn’t change that a solicitor can only act for one of you in any child or financial arrangements.
There might be the need to consider what would happen if one of you changes your mind due to a breakdown during discussions on child or financial arrangements.
How Long Does a No Fault Divorce Take?
If everything therefore runs smoothly and there are no other issues, the minimum length of time to get a divorce now will be six months.
No Fault Divorce Process
A couple apply for a divorce individually or together. This means they can choose to make a statement together explaining their marriage has irretrievably broken down. They don't need to explain why.
A period of 20 weeks will apply as a ‘cooling off period’.
After 20 weeks and the couple are still looking to proceed, a Conditional Order is granted by the court. At this point you can now file a financial consent order with the court following the Conditional Order being granted and (if you are having one) the financial order sealed (agreed) you can apply for your final divorce order.
A 6-week period applies.
After the 6 weeks is over a Final Order is made by the court.
The minimum length of time to get a No Fault Divorce will be 6 months.