There are two ways to end a marriage in the UK. You either file for a divorce or get a legal separation. The second option allows you to live separately without dissolving the marriage. The third option is to annul the marriage during the first year of marriage. In this post, we will talk you through the divorce process.

The process

You can only apply for a divorce in the UK if you’ve been married for at least one year. To follow the government procedure, you should either be a British resident or be domiciled in the UK if you’re residing elsewhere. The process is pretty straightforward.

You start off by filling out the divorce petition form, also known as the D8 form. After this, you need to deposit the court fee worth £550. Other than that, you also need to file the Decree Nisi and Decree Absolute. The court will also require you to provide your original marriage certificate. If it’s drafted in another language, you need to get it translated into English.

Reasonable ground for divorce

To validate the application, you’ll need to explain to the judge why your marriage failed reasonably. The explanation needs to be backed by facts and should convince the court that the breakup is irretrievable. The most common grounds for divorce in England and Wales are adultery, desertion, and unreasonable behaviour.

Other than that, you can also file for divorce if you’ve been separated for two years (with mutual consent) or five years (with or without consent). You need to take your time and choose one of the five reasons to strengthen the case.

The decrees

After filing the petition form, you file the Decree Nisi Pronouncement. This is also known as the interim divorce certificate. It entitles you to a 6-week cooling period during which one of the spouses can contest the petition. If there isn’t an issue, you get to fill out an application for the statement of truth to state that there are no objections.

If the two parties are in agreement, this process goes by quickly. After the six weeks are over, you step into the final step of the process and file for the Final Decree. This step officially dissolves the marriage.

Divorce might be one of the toughest phases of your life. Sit back, take your time to think this through, and spend as much time with your closest friends and family as you can. We will take care of the paperwork for you. Contact Wembley Solicitors if you’re looking for family law solicitors in Wembley, Middlesex.