The divorce process is difficult enough without the need to apportion blame to one partner. This is why the new ‘no-fault divorce’ law came into legal force in England and Wales on 6th April 2022 to try and make the process a bit easier for those wishing to separate. The new law also applies to civil partnership dissolution.
What Were the Old Divorce Laws?
The Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 stated that there was only one reason for a divorce – the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. There were then five grounds to prove this:
- Adultery
- Unreasonable behaviour
- Desertion
- Two-year separation with consent
- Five-year separation
After the new law was introduced in April this year, you can no longer use the above previous grounds for divorce. You will only be able to divorce under the new law.
How Does a No-Fault Divorce Work?
A no-fault or no-blame divorce is a much more straightforward and amicable approach to separation. It enables couples to be able to file for a divorce or separation without having to place the blame on their former partner to prove the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.
- To get divorced or end your civil partnership, you’ll need to:
- Decide who should apply
- Get the information and documents you’ll need
- Fill in the application
- Check how your partner will be told about the application
- Find out how your partner can respond
- Ask for a conditional order
- Ask for a final order – this completes the divorce or dissolution
How Long Does a No-Fault Divorce Take?
A divorce or dissolution will take at least 6 months to complete, even if your circumstances are straightforward. If you need to sort issues with money, property or children it could take even longer.
How Much Does a No Fault-Divorce Cost?
The court fees for a no-fault divorce are currently £593 for a divorce petition. A no-fault divorce is not cheaper than the previous method, but as it cannot be contested, it could save thousands of pounds if the decision to divorce was not mutual or accepted by both of you.
Best Divorce Solicitors Near Me
If you are looking for an experienced solicitors firm to assist you in your divorce and other legal issues, look no further than Richards & Lewis.
Operating as the leading solicitors in Ebbw Vale since 1987, at Richards & Lewis, we are more than qualified to assist you with all of your legal issues. We cover a wide range of conveyancing issues as well as wills and probate, powers of attorney and divorce.
For additional information on the wide range of professional legal services we provide, get in touch with a member of our friendly team here today.
