Latest figures show that nearly half of all marriages end in divorce, with the current divorce rate in the UK estimated to be 42%.
In 2022, there were 80,057 divorces granted in England and Wales according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Research also reveals that the median duration of marriages ending in divorce was 12.9 years for opposite-sex couples and 7.5 and 6.3 years for male and female same-sex couples, respectively.
The ONS believes that the number of divorces and dissolutions granted during 2022 may have been affected by the introduction of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act, which came into effect on 6 April 2022.
This Act introduced new mandatory waiting periods at important stages, and other changes including allowing couples to end a partnership jointly, and the removal of grounds for divorce (‘facts’).
Data shows that there were 7,394 divorces and 54 dissolutions (9.2% of all divorces and 10.3% of all dissolutions) granted under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act in 2022. Of these, 28.8% of new-law divorces, and 61.1% of new-law dissolutions, were granted under joint application.
It was hoped that by introducing no-fault divorce, couples could separate more amicably, saving stress, time and money.
Find out more about no-fault divorce in our step-by-step guide by clicking here.
While it is not a legal requirement to instruct a solicitor when getting a divorce, an experienced Family Law solicitor who specialises in divorce can help facilitate the process in various ways.
1. Assists with financial matters. Divorce is only the legal end to a marriage. Agreeing on how finances and property should be divided needs to be undertaken separately.
Financial arrangements are often the most daunting and divisive aspect of divorce and reaching an agreement with an ex-spouse can be difficult, even in the most amicable of separations.
Couples who are divorcing or ending a civil partnership will need to decide how to divide:
• Pensions.
• Property.
• Savings.
• Investments.
• Personal possessions, such as cars, jewellery and household items.
A solicitor will help you understand what you are entitled to and can help you reach an agreement that is in your best interests. A legal professional can also act as a mediator in discussions and ensure any agreement you reach is legally binding.
2. Helps with arrangements for any children. Putting in place an appropriate plan for any children that are affected by divorce is a priority. Decisions about where a child lives, when and how they have contact with the other parent, and provision for child maintenance all need to be agreed upon, though can easily prove contentious.
A solicitor with experience in family law can help separating spouses agree on parenting arrangements, so you do not need to go to court for a child arrangements order.
An experienced Family solicitor who specialises in child law matters can help you negotiate child arrangements, finding a suitable solution that is in the best interests of the child.
If you are unable to reach an agreement through negotiation or mediation, we can also help support parents with court proceedings to have matters resolved by the Family Court.
3. Acts as a facilitator. At a time when communication is key, a divorce can often be the most difficult time to talk to an ex-partner.
A solicitor keeps the lines of communication open by liaising with the other party, making sure you are aware of relevant developments, and ensuring any agreements made are in your best interests.
4. Is familiar with the process. Divorce can be stressful and confusing. An experienced Family solicitor is familiar with the divorce process and helps clients navigate divorce proceedings.
Solicitors know what divorce involves and oversee the process so that your focus can be elsewhere.
5. Provides peace of mind. Seeking the advice of a qualified legal professional to oversee a divorce provides valuable peace of mind.
By enlisting a Family solicitor to help with your divorce, you will know that everything has been done properly and thoroughly. A Family solicitor will ensure all bases are covered and you are adequately protected to avoid claims later on.
6. Committed to helping you. Our experienced Family lawyers at Bookers & Bolton appreciate that divorce, separation, or civil partnership dissolution can be highly emotional and stressful for everyone involved.
We are committed to finding the right solution for you and your family, focusing on providing an exceptional personalised, understanding and compassionate service.
We advise on all divorce, dissolution of civil partnerships, and separation matters, including:
• The divorce process.
• Separation.
• Financial matters.
• Child matters and arrangements.
We will carefully guide you through the process and tailor our advice to your needs. We always provide legal advice with common sense and empathy.
Get in Touch
At Bookers & Bolton, our divorce lawyers have the knowledge and experience to help, regardless of the complexity of your situation.
Our Head of Family Law, Paul Wilson, has practised Family Law for over 30 years and is an accredited Family Mediator. He can work remotely and often meets clients online over Zoom, helping individuals and families with their legal matters in Hampshire and across the UK.
If you are considering divorce proceedings and need legal advice, please contact our experienced Family lawyers to discuss your options. You can call us on 01420 558335, email us at enquiries@bookersandbolton.co.uk or make an online enquiry here.
