The most recent figures for divorce in England and Wales show that more than 107,000 opposite-sex couples divorced in 2019. This was the highest since 2014 when more than 111,000 divorces were granted. There were also more than 800 same-sex divorces in 2019, a figure that was almost twice as high as in the previous year.
As these figures demonstrate, divorce is common across England and Wales, as well as the rest of the United Kingdom. There are many reasons for getting a divorce; some decisions are taken mutually by both parties, other times a divorce is initiated by one side of the couple.
In this blog post, we will look at the basic steps for how to get a divorce.
Check That You Are Eligible for a Divorce
In England and Wales, there are certain requirements that you must fulfill in order to seek a divorce. You must be married for at least one year and your relationship must have permanently broken down. Your marriage must also be legally recognized in the UK and the UK must be the permanent home of at least one member of the marriage.
What Are the Grounds for Divorce?
In order to apply for a divorce, you will have to prove that your marriage has permanently broken down and is unsavable. There are five eligible reasons and you will need to give at least one as reason for seeking a divorce.
The five reasons, also known as the five facts, are adultery, unreasonable behavior, desertion (at least two years), separation of at least two years, or separation of at least five years.
There are a few caveats to these reasons. Adultery will not be counted as a valid reason if you continued to live together for more than six months following the discovery of adultery. If separated for at least two years, you can apply for a divorce if your partner agrees to it in writing; for more than five years, your partner does not have to agree.
How to Apply
There is a range of information that must be compiled and submitted when seeking a divorce; this information can be submitted online. There is a fee of £550 to apply for a divorce. From here, the process can take on different forms, depending on whether your partner agrees with the divorce or not; it may be necessary to go to court to discuss the case.
If you are looking for a quality divorce mediation service in the UK, go to www.mediateuk.co.uk.
How to Get a Divorce: Understanding the Basics
Initiating divorce proceedings can be a distressing time, given how it seeks to end a marriage and union. However, it is a process that thousands of people complete every year. The complexity of the divorce process largely depends on whether the person on the other side of the marriage is in agreement about seeking a divorce.
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