| Frequently asked questions relating to English divorce | | | | further £40 when applying for the decree absolute. |
| law and process. | | | | On top of this both parties will have to pay their |
| What are the grounds for divorce in English law? | | | | solicitors fees which will vary significantly according to |
| In English law there is only one ground for divorce, this | | | | circumstances. |
| being an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. For | | | | How will finances be split? |
| this irretrievable breakdown to be proven one of five | | | | Divorce courts will always put the welfare of children |
| reasons can be given. These reasons are adultery, | | | | first and so this will be a major factor in how finances |
| unreasonable behaviour, two years separation with | | | | are split after the divorce. After this or in cases where |
| consent, two years desertion and five years | | | | children aren’t involved the courts will look at a |
| separation without consent. | | | | number of factors including: the financial state of both |
| How long does the divorce process take? | | | | parties, their future financial needs, each parties |
| The actually length of time it takes for divorce | | | | contributions throughout the marriage and how long the |
| proceedings to be completed will vary from case to | | | | marriage lasted. |
| case depending on the particular circumstances of the | | | | What are the arrangements for children? |
| divorce. However, typically a normal divorce will take | | | | Arrangements for both residence and contact orders |
| four or five months from the filing of the divorce | | | | will be made by the court with the welfare of the |
| petition to the granting of the decree absolute. | | | | children being the main factor in their considerations. |
| What are the costs? | | | | The court will base its decision on whom it deems best |
| The basic costs of divorce are £300 court fees to | | | | able to meet the child’s day to day needs. |
| be paid when filing the divorce petition along with a | | | | |