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No-Fault Divorce
Under current legislation, couples must provide a reason for the irretrievable breakdown of their marriage.
No-Fault Divorce Solicitors in London
Under current legislation, couples must provide a reason for the irretrievable breakdown of their marriage. New no-fault divorces eliminate this step and allow couples to proceed with their divorce solely on the declaration that they wish to divorce.
No fault divorces aim to reduce hostility between couples, encourage mediation and protect the emotional wellbeing of any children. They will help all parties to move forward with their lives and maintain an amicable relationship for the benefit of the children.
Our offices are based in Harrow, London, but we provide ‘no fault’ divorce services to customers across the UK and overseas. Combining experience with specialist knowledge, our no-fault divorce solicitors are of the highest standards and have been accredited by the UK’s leading accrediting bodies.
Get in touch with our team to arrange an initial fixed fee consultation. We also offer video consultations.
Wherever you are in the United Kingdom, Goodwins Family Law Solicitors can represent you.
We specialise exclusively in cases under English and Welsh jurisdiction, but our services are available to clients throughout the whole of the UK. No matter where you are located, our specialists are just a phone call away.
Contact us today on 020 7887 2072 to discuss your needs.
No-Fault Divorce FAQs
How is a no-fault divorce different from the current divorce law?
The current divorce law in England and Wales states that to get a divorce, your marriage must have irretrievably broken down for any of the following reasons:
- Your spouse has committed adultery
- Your spouse has behaved unreasonably
- Your spouse has deserted you for a continuous period of at least two years
- You and your spouse have been separated for at least two years, and you both agree to the divorce
- You and your spouse have been separated for at least five years
This reason must be confirmed or else the divorce can’t go ahead.
The new legislation allows couples to get divorced without having to confirm the reason for the irretrievable breakdown. Essentially, you can get divorced solely with the declaration that you want to get divorced.
How long does a no-fault divorce take?
The process will begin once you have given notice that your marriage has irretrievably broken down and you wish to divorce. 20 weeks after this date you will be asked to confirm whether your intentions have remained the same and you wish to proceed with the divorce. If yes, the courts will make a conditional order. 6 weeks after the conditional order, the courts can make a final order.
This makes it a minimum of 26 weeks to complete a no-fault divorce. No-fault divorces won’t come into effect until April 2022, so the earliest you will be able to get divorced is summer 2022.
How can I apply for a no-fault divorce?
You won’t be able to apply for a no-fault divorce until the new legislation comes into effect in April 2022. No official start date has been announced, and many of the specifics are still to be worked out by the government. However, the acceptance of your application will no longer be contingent on confirming the reason for the breakdown of your marriage. An application can be started and accepted on the declaration of divorce alone.
When do no-fault divorces come into effect?
The current plan is for no-fault divorces to come into effect in April 2022. However, no specific date has been set, and it is possible that the government postpones it beyond autumn.
What are the benefits of no-fault divorces?
No-fault divorces aim to mitigate the hostility involved in a divorce by removing the need to place blame on either party for the breakdown of the marriage. This should aid the divorce process by encouraging mediation and help the couple remain amicable during and after the proceedings. By mitigating hostility, no fault divorces also aim to reduce the emotional suffering of any children.
Do I need a solicitor for a no-fault divorce?
While not strictly required, it’s recommended to consult with a solicitor to ensure all legal and financial aspects are appropriately addressed.
Who pays for a no-fault divorce in the UK?
Generally, the person who initiates the divorce (the petitioner) pays the filing fees. However, costs can be split or allocated differently depending on the couple’s agreement or court orders.
How long has Goodwins been providing no fault divorce?
Goodwins has been providing no-fault divorce since it came into law in 2022.
Will I have my own dedicated solicitor to deal with my case?
Yes, you will be assigned a specialist who deals in no-fault divorce.
Do you offer fixed fee consultations for no fault divorce?
Yes, we offer fixed fee consultations where we will give advice on how to proceed with your case, highlighting all options available to you and the costs involved.
Will my enquiry be treated confidentially?
Yes, we will deal with your enquiry with the utmost professionalism and sensitivity, ensuring that everything is kept confidential.
How will I communicate with my solicitor for no-fault divorce enquiries?
Your solicitor can be contacted via phone or email. We also offer video calls. Alternatively, you can visit your solicitor at our office.
Where is the Goodwins office and how can I visit?
Our office is located in Middlesex and is available to visit Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm
Can you represent me if I live outside London?
Yes, we can represent you even if you live outside London. With modern technology, we can effectively communicate and work together remotely via video calls and emails.
However, if you prefer face-to-face meetings, you’re welcome to visit our offices. We’re committed to providing expert legal advice and representation tailored to your needs, whether you choose to work with us remotely or in person.
Watch our video to gain an insight into the inner workings of Goodwins Family Law Solicitors and how we can help you.
The Goodwins Process
Consistency, quality and sensitivity are the key elements of our approach to each case. Our expert team will deal with your situation with the utmost professionalism and sensitivity, whilst striving to reach the best possible outcome.
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