Divorce
Divorce: a useful guide
The breakdown of a relationship can be an emotional and confusing time which is why we’ve put together this guide. We understand when couples divorce, cost is a major concern. To find out how much your divorce could cost please contact us 0800 840 4929.
Grounds for divorce
If you have been married for at least one year and believe that your marriage has come to an end, you can issue divorce proceedings.
To obtain a divorce in England or Wales you must prove that your marriage has irretrievably broken down. You can establish irretrievable breakdown by proving one of the following five facts:
- adultery: your husband or wife has committed adultery and you find it intolerable to live with them
- unreasonable behaviour: your husband or wife has behaved in such a manner that you cannot be reasonably expected to live with them (unreasonable behaviour)
- lived apart for two years: you have lived apart for two years and you both agree to there being a divorce
- deserted:your husband or wife has deserted you for a period of two years or more
- lived apart for five years: you have lived apart for five years or more - a divorce can be secured whether or not your husband or wife agrees to a divorce.
Unless you and your spouse have lived apart for two years or more, to secure a divorce in England and Wales, it is necessary to show some form of fault, i.e., either adultery or unreasonable behaviour. Phrases such as "irreconcilable differences" and "mental cruelty" have no place in English law - they are American legal ideas.
To see how these grounds apply to you, please read our guide: grounds for divorce explained
Pannone: the divorce solicitors
To arrange a discussion with a divorce solicitor click here or call us on 0800 840 4929. We are available to take your call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
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