Divorce

Marriage Irretrievably Broken Down

Proved by one of five facts:

• Adultery
• Unreasonable Behaviour
• Desertion for 2 years
• 2 years Separation and Consent by both Parties
• 5 years Separation without Consent

1. Apply for Divorce by completing Divorce Petition
   A simple legal document detailing names, addresses, occupations date and place of marriage and a brief account of why you seek a divorce.
   If there are children of the marriage or of either Party then a Statement of Arrangements for Children will need to be filed.
2. Divorce Petition and Statement of Arrangements for Children
   (if appropriate) sent to the Court.
   The Court requires payment of a fee of £300
3. Husband/Wife has 14 days to acknowledge receipt of the Divorce Petition
   This is done by completing an Acknowledgment of Service form
4. Apply for Decree Nisi
   Certificate from Judge giving notice of date you can apply for Decree Absolute
   Certificate from Judge stating if he is satisfied regarding arrangements for any children
5. Apply for Decree Absolute
   6 weeks and 1 day after the Decree Nisi
   Court requires payment of a fee of £40
6. Decree Absolute pronounced usually within a week

In the majority of cases applications to the Court are made in writing with no requirements to attend Court in person.

The process usually takes 6 months from Petition to Decree Absolute if undefended