Divorce and Separation
If you have made the decision to separate or get divorced, we realise how stressful this can be on all the family. We have a team of specialist family solicitors and divorce lawyers who are committed to finding the right solution for you and your family.
At Larcomes, we have considerable experience in all areas of family law relating to separation and divorce, child matters and matrimonial finances.
Our specialist family solicitors can advise you on all divorce and separation matters including:
- The Divorce Process
- Separation
- Financial Matters
- Child Matters
For a free no obligation and confidential discussion, please phone one of our divorce and separation lawyers on 023 9244 8100 or make an online enquiry.
What are the grounds for Divorce?
Traditionally, the grounds of divorce would require one spouse to make accusations about the other’s conduct, ‘unreasonable behaviour’ or adultery for example, or alternatively be required to face years of separation before a couple can be granted a divorce, even if the decision to separate was mutual. Under these existing rules, couples are required to prove one of the following ‘facts’ in support of the divorce, which include:
- Adultery
- Unreasonable behaviour
- Desertion
- Two years’ separation without consent
- Five years separation (with or without consent)
What is the ground for divorce? No-Fault Divorce from April 2022
With effect from 2022, no fault divorce has been introduced and the requirement is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. This is the biggest overhaul of divorce in half a century.
Resolution, the national family justice body, had been campaigning for thirty years to end the requirement for couples to assign fault in order to be granted a divorce, aiming to reduce the impact that allegations of blame can have on a couple and most importantly any children involved.
The new legislation allows a statement of irretrievable breakdown, enabling couples to remove fault from the divorce process, and also allows for an option in which couples can jointly apply for a divorce where the decision to separate is a mutual one. Terms such as “decree nisi” and “decree absolute” are replaced with “conditional order” and “final order” and “petitioners” are now referred as “applicants” There is a minimum time frame of 20 weeks (6 months) post the petition stage, with an “opportunity to reflect and turn back” and if after the end of that period the applicant affirms their decision to get divorced, couples will be able to have their divorce granted.
Do I need legal advice to get divorced?
If you feel that the divorce or separation will be straightforward, there are options available such as ‘online divorce services’ and ‘DIY Divorce Services’, however, this is not advisable if there are other more complicating factors involved such as agreement on finances, debt responsibility or access to children to take into consideration.
All our family solicitors are committed to the Resolution Code of Practice, which promotes an approach to family law that is sensitive, constructive, cost-effective and will most likely result in an amicable agreement. Our experienced team of family solicitors and lawyers includes accredited members of the Law Society’s Family Panel, the Law Society’s Children Panel and are Resolution accredited, so you can be confident that we will be there to guide you through the process every step of the way.
Expert Divorce Solicitors
Regardless of the complexity of your divorce or separation, our solicitors in Portsmouth and Waterlooville, have the knowledge and expertise to help. We will explain all the options available to you, ensure you are aware of the costs involved, guiding, and supporting you through every step of the process.
Remember you can talk to us in complete confidence and gain reassurance from speaking to someone who understands your situation.
Get in Touch
To speak with one of our specialist family law team, please call on 023 9244 810 or make an online enquiry
Supported by an expert team are our specialist Family Law Solicitor Sandra Phillips and Adrian Silk.
Find out more about our Family Law Accreditations.
We can also help you with Wills and Property advice.
