Divorce and Relationship Breakdown

Divorce is the legal process that brings an end to a marriage that has broken down. For many people, divorce is their only contact with the courts. At Gorvins Solicitors we recognise this and try not to use legal jargon in our dealings with you.

We explain what the divorce process will entail and if you wish to go ahead, then we’ll commence the proceedings. We’ll ensure you are made aware of all developments and updates along the way.

We understand divorce can involve high emotions, and our team of solicitors are sensitive to your needs during this difficult time, and work with you to resolve your dispute with compassion and efficiency.  Call us on 0161 930 5151, e-mail familyteam@gorvins.com or complete our online form for advice about divorce, relationship breakdown or other family matters.

Gorvins Approach to Divorce

Before we can commence the divorce proceedings we’ll need to build a good picture of your circumstances. We’ll usually ask for the following information:

• The reasons for the divorce
• How long you’ve been separated from your partner (if living apart)
• Marriage certificate (if you have it)
• When you can legally file for divorce
• There is one ground for divorce which is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.

This has to be evidenced by one of these facts:

• Your spouse has committed adultery
• You cannot live with your spouse due to their behaviour
• You and your spouse have been separated for at least two years and both agree to a divorce.
• You and your spouse have been separated for at least five years.
• Desertion

We’ll use this information to decide on what grounds the divorce should be and what the next course of action will be, as well as an estimate of costs involved and advise you how long the divorce proceedings will be likely to take.

The divorce process

To start off the proceedings, we will send a letter to your spouse to inform them that you are commencing a divorce. The petition will then be sent to court setting out the reasons for the divorce. Your spouse generally has to sign an acknowledgment form for the court. You can then apply for the ‘decree nisi’ which is the first stage in the divorce. You can apply for the ‘decree absolute’ at the earliest six weeks after the decree nisi. The ‘decree absolute’ is the final dissolution of the marriage. Sometimes decree absolute should be deferred until a financial settlement has been reached, but we would discuss the timing of the decree absolute with you.

Read more about the civil partnership dissolution or the divorce process.

How Can Gorvins Help?

If you’re thinking obtaining a divorce and you want to find out more information about how we can help, give us a call on 0345 507 5151, e-mail familyteam@gorvins.com or fill in our online form at the top of this page.