A divorce and its actual legal process is one aspect of many different and potential issues that separating couples may experience. The actual divorce process is a paperwork exercise and, for the majority of the time, nobody needs to attend actual court. However, we of course appreciate this is a stressful time for clients and we encourage them to deal with the divorce process in the most cost-effective way, as stress-free as possible and our solicitors can advise you and explain the best choice for you.
The only ground for divorce is the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, and under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, it is no longer necessary to establish this by using one of the 5 facts of adultery, behaviour, desertion, two years separation with consent or 5 years separation. Parties wishing to divorce must now simply state that their marriage has broken down irretrievably.
Divorce Applications can now be made by one party alone, or by both parties together as a joint application.
The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 now makes it almost impossible to defend a divorce, except on extremely limited grounds. You cannot obtain a divorce until you have been married for one year.
The paperwork process of the divorce takes a minimum of 6 months and you remain married during this time. There is now a mandatory 20 week waiting period between the issue of the divorce application and the next stage of the divorce (Conditional Order - previously Decree Nisi). There is a further mandatory 6 week waiting period between the Conditional Order and the Final Order (previously Decree Absolute).
There are sometimes good reasons to delay the Final Order (previously Decree Absolute), e.g. there are pension issues which mean it is better to be a widow or widower rather than the former spouse in the event of an untimely death.
We offer a fixed fee for the divorce itself, and in addition a court fee is payable unless you are on a low income and have less than £3,000 in savings.
Click here for answers to some common Divorce questions or click here to contact us.
Ella was amazing. Very knowledgeable and helpful. She always responded quickly to me too! Thank you so much.
Friendly, professional and made to feel welcome.
Geraldine explained everything clearly and gave me the information I needed to make an informed decision in the future.
Ella has been the most helpful and considerate Paralegal . She kept us informed and answered questions to help at all times. Thank you for everything.
I received a very swift service, direct and professional service all around with a sensitive family matter.
Kimberley was fantastic with my statutory declaration. I am so grateful for all of her help and speed from start to finish. I will be using your services again in the future!
Rachel Hepworth represented me during my divorce and I found her to be very professional at all times. In all communications my queries were answered immediately and I felt confident that I was being given good advice at all times.
I could not recommend Sally, her assistant and the company enough! Very professional and efficient.
Ella was efficient, professional and very thorough when it came to handling my matter. I was always kept in the loop and everything was handled accordingly.
Excellent service, as I knew it would be from my previous dealings with WGA.
Sally was a pleasure to work with. She explained the legal process of obtaining a consent order clearly and provided general advice about the whole divorce process. Queries were answered promptly.
Very helpful and friendly advice. Answered all queries quickly and effectively. Would use Sara again no problems
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