The Legal Process of Getting a Divorce in London

Thinking about getting a divorce in London? Nothing unusual about that.

According to the stats, over 40,000 non-fault based divorces occur in England and Wales every year, whereas 60,000 are fault-based. A leading drama on national TV is about a divorce lawyer. And even the most popular and beloved princess in the country got a divorce.

Leaving an unhappy or an abusive marriage is always a wise decision—but the process goes a little further than merely taking a decision.

The real question, once you’ve decided you’ll get a divorce, is: how will you get it?

The Requisites of Divorce

Even if you’re married and feel that you have considerable cause to get a divorce, there are certain requirements. These are:

• You need to have been married for over a year
• You must be in a broken relationship
• The UK must legally recognize your marriage, regardless of it being a heterosexual or same-sex marriage
• You or your spouse should be a permanent resident of the UK

Other than a divorce, you could also opt for a legal separation, which won’t end your marriage, but will enable you to live separately. Marriage annulments are also possible if you’re still in the first year of your marriage.

The Grounds for Divorce

Before you can get a divorce, you’re required to prove that your relationship is in shambles. Five reasons are generally accepted as grounds for divorce in England and Wales:

• Your spouse is an adulterer. However, if you had known about the adultery and still chose to live with your spouse, you can’t cite adultery as grounds for divorce.
• Your spouse has displayed unreasonable behaviour such as physical violence, abuse, threats, alcoholism, or they aren’t providing financial help at home.
• Your spouse has deserted you. However, they need to have deserted you for two years at least before you file for divorce.
• You have been separated from your spouse for two years—but your spouse must give their agreement in writing.
• You have been separated from your spouse for five years—and this warrants no written agreement from your spouse.

Applying for the Divorce

You’ll need:

• Your spouse’s full name and current address
• The original marriage certificate or a verified copy
• If you got your name changed after your marriage, you’ll need to provide proof

There’s also a fee of $550, and an online application form. In the event that you don’t earn much or receive benefits, you might obtain a concession in the fee.

And if this still sounds a little too complicated, you can always reach out to Wembley Solicitors and ask for help!