Understanding divorce law

UK divorce law covers many different topics. Getting the divorce is one thing – then you also need to think about what will happen with your finances, property and children.

Grounds for divorce

Under UK divorce law, you need to satisfy the court that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. To prove this, you need to establish a recognised ground for divorce.

Within UK divorce law, the recognised grounds for divorce are:

•    Adultery
•    Unreasonable behaviour
•    Desertion for more than two years
•    Separation for more than two years, if your spouse consents to the divorce
•    Separation for more than five years, if your spouse contests the divorce

The divorce process

The court will also need to be satisfied that you have made suitable arrangements regarding your living arrangements, finances and children. Whilst these matters don’t need to be sorted out with finality at this stage, the court will still want to know that they have been considered. UK divorce solicitors can help you to prepare your petition to make sure the court will grant your divorce.

Under UK divorce law, once the court is satisfied with this they will then issue a decree nisi. After the decree nisi you have to wait six weeks and one day before you can apply for the decree absolute. Once you have the decree absolute, your divorce is final under divorce law, and you are no longer married to your partner. You will still need to sort out arrangements for your finances and children, and Contact Law can help you find family solicitors to do this.

If you would like to obtain legal advice about UK divorce law, Contact Law can put you in touch with a local specialist family law / divorce solicitor free of charge. So, if you have any questions or would like our help in finding local family law / divorce solicitors please call us on 0800 1777 162 or complete the web-form above.

Last Updated on 02/03/2010