I am confident my relationship has ended, how do I get a divorce?

Once you realise a divorce is the only option before you, it can be a worrying and stressful time knowing how to navigate the proceedings ahead. As of April 2022, the process has been simplified but it can still be a daunting road to travel.

At Metcalfe Copeman & Pettefar, we will look to remove the stress from the process by progressing your divorce to conclusion and we will do so under a fixed fee*. This avoids you worrying about the process or indeed the costs involved!

Before trying to start proceedings, it is important to check that you can get divorced. To pursue a divorce in England or Wales, you must meet the following criteria:

• Have been married for more than 12 months
• Be sure that your marriage has broken down and there is no possibility of reconciliation.
• Your marriage must be legally recognised in the UK.

The divorce itself will take around 6 months and the pace of proceedings is intentionally slow. It allows both parties to consider a) is this what I want b) how will our finances be shared and c) where will the children live and what time will they spend with the other parent. It won’t necessarily happen in this order and ultimately, the child arrangements are typically at the top of the list of matters to resolve.

There is a Court fee of £612.00 which is paid at the outset of the application. You may be eligible for fee remission and we can advise you if this is something you should consider.

At your initial meeting with one of our experts, we will give you advice regarding the matrimonial finances. It is important to note that a divorce does not finalise financial claims between you. It is very important to settle the matrimonial finances to avoid claims in the future. The extreme example being if you were to win the lottery, years after your divorce, your former spouse may be able to make a claim against your winnings!

Whilst the process is more straight forward now there is no need to place blame with anyone for why the relationship has broken down, any mistakes in the process can cause significant delays. All in all, it is a lengthy process and so to ensure that each stage is carried out correctly it can be in your interests to instruct a legal expert to undertake the work for you. We will advise you at each stage and ensure you are kept informed of the progress of your case. We diarise court dates to ensure that the next step of your divorce is applied for promptly. Give Metcalfe Copeman & Pettefar a call today who will be able guide you through the process.

*The fixed fee is provided for an undefended divorce.