5 Things You Should Know About Getting Divorced in 2022

5 Things You Should Know About Getting Divorced in 2022

If you are getting ready to go through a divorce or are simply considering it, there’s a lot of information out there to take in. For example, what the divorce process entails, how to find a reliable family law firm like Townsend Family Law to represent you, and understanding the guidance and grounds for divorce. In this post we’ve wrapped things up with five key pointers. Read on to find out more on divorcing in 2022. 

1- Make sure that divorce is what you really want 

Before starting divorce proceedings it’s important to ask yourself if the marriage is really irreparable. It’s common to take decisive action over a divorce following holidays and the Christmas period as a result of often resolvable issues that have arisen due to spending long periods of time together. If you think there is a possibility of reconciliation it’s worth looking into relationship counselling sessions. If you are certain that your marriage has broken down with no chance of surviving then it’s time to consider starting divorce proceedings. 

2 – Manage your expectations 

Divorce is a very stressful time with all the practicalities that come with a new life, parenting problems to resolve, property and financial issues. All of these stressful events come at once with a divorce and both parties can have unrealistic expectations. Every case is different, of course, but asking yourself some basic questions before you go ahead will help. Here’s some advice from Citizen’s Advice.

3 – Be mindful of the impact divorce has on children

Getting a divorce can bring lots of old and long running arguments to the surface and it’s easy to let things slip in the presence of your children. This can be damaging to them though and unless there are other issues, it’s important for children to have a relationship with both parents. For any children involved in a divorce, it’s worth considering the value of counselling to allow them to process their feelings and speak openly about how this will affect them.

4 – Try to settle out of court where possible

Not all divorces end up in court, many people do manage to arrive at a legal agreement outside of the courtrooms. To achieve this, it is important to be able to compromise when needed, not seek all your advice from friends and family and to keep the lines of communication as open as possible with your ex-spouse. You can also try separation mediation. This is a process where a third party gets involved to help you resolve issues that are difficult to reach a conclusion on a 1:1 basis. The mediator will facilitate these discussions between you both and will advise that you remain in contact with your legal representation, although your lawyer will typically not attend these sessions.

5 – What is the guidance on getting a divorce?

In order for a divorce to go ahead, there will need to be legal divorce grounds. According to the government’s guide on getting divorced in England and Wales, the UK must be your permanent home, you will need to have been married for over a year, your marriage should be recognised in the UK and your relationship must be permanently broken down. There is a different process if you want to end a civil partnership. There are also grounds for divorce, including unreasonable behaviour, adultery and desertion.  In April 2022, new guidance is also coming into force. By keeping yourself informed, updated and open to some compromise and communication, you will have a much better chance of achieving an amicable divorce. 

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