Separation Solicitors Romford and Dagenham
While for some people marriage will last a lifetime, there are many couples that decide a relationship can no longer continue and the parties have to separate. In some cases, this separation can be temporary, in others, it will be permanent. Not everyone will formally separate initially as they are do not want the stress and additional upheaval it may cause. However, when it comes to starting a new relationship and entering into a second marriage then there will be a need for that formality through divorce.
Divorce and Separation Lawyers
Milner Elledge have practiced in the field of divorce law for many years and have vast experience in relation to dealing with couples looking to separate or divorce.
In April 2022, the divorce law was changed to include the legal requirements and process for divorce. These changes aim to reduce the possibility for conflict amongst divorcing couples by:
- You can no longer make allegations about the conduct of a spouse
- Allowing couples to make the application jointly
- There is no longer a requirement for the Applicant to prove fault, and they will instead need to make a statement (jointly or solely) confirming that the marriage has broken down irretrievably
There has also been a change to the terminology used within divorce proceedings:
- Divorce Petition → Divorce Application
- Decree Nisi → Conditional Order
- Decree Absolute → Final Order
These changes also introduce a waiting period of 20 weeks between the start of proceedings and the application for conditional order. The aim of this period is to provide couples with a period of reflection and the chance to reconsider their application. Where divorce is inevitable, it enables couples to deal with any plans that need to be put into place for the future.
It will no longer be possible to contest a divorce, except on limited grounds including jurisdiction.
While for many the main focus of a divorce may be separating physically from the other party, a key concern will be the division of matrimonial assets. Our team are specialists in financial matters when it comes to relationship breakdown and will go through all your options with you. Our solicitors will look at any factors that may come into a financial claim such as; giving up a job to look after the children so that the other spouse fulfil their career ambitions, being the person responsible for the household bills, or even unreasonable behaviour during the marriage.
In many cases of separation, it will not just be the spouses that are involved but also children and in some cases even pets. While some couples may be able to come to mutual agreement about child arrangements, many will not. Specialist family solicitors can help you put across your case for a child arrangements ‘lives with’ order or ‘lives with arrangements’ to the court and work with you to ensure that suitable arrangements are put in place.
Our team put the children at the heart of these cases, and where possible will encourage collaborative negotiation with the other spouse to reduce the stress and negative effects on the children. Moreover, while the child arrangements you wish for may not be possible at the start of a divorce, our team will work with you on a long-term plan to build up where possible to achieving the arrangements you believe best for your child.
Contact our Separation Solicitors in Romford and Dagenham
With over 30 years of experience in the field of child and family law, there is no team in the South East better placed to assist you and your family through a separation. Whether its initial advice on divorce, concerns over splitting the finances or help making an application to court for appropriate child arrangements, our team are here to help. Throughout a case, our solicitors offer a sympathetic, not judgemental, child-centred approach. Contact our team today on 01708 763463 for our Romford office or 020 8984 0940 for our Dagenham office.
