Divorce
DIVORCE LAWYERS NEWCASTLE
There can be few more emotionally stressful things than the prosepct of getting divorced, especially where children are involved. In legal terms, the divorce process, especially for uncontested divorces where there are no children, is fairly straightforward, and we offer a fixed fee, affordable service for such situations, which are largely a paperwork exercise. Some divorces can be more complicated, and commonly there are issues over finances and children, and this is where the benefit of experience and in-depth advice can be vital. Again, we can assist in such circumstances and also with attempts to mediate between the parties, which are generally recommended.
The main areas where we advise and assist clients in Newcastle are :-
- Dealing with legal separation
- Advising on parental rights and responsibilities and children
- How pensions are dealt with on divorce
- Divorce finances including clean break, maintenance, property adjustment and debts on divorce
The main stages of divorce
The process is started by completing a divorce petition and paying the court fee, together with filing at court copies of the marriage certificate, details of any children involved . The court will then post a copy of the petition to your husband or wife who then have 8 days to acknowledge receipt. If this done not happen alternative attempts will be needed to prove service has taken place.
If the divorce is uncontested, subject to children issues, the divorce will proceed. The court may require additional information about arrangements made for the children and the court will have the final say on this and must approve whatever is agreed by the parties.
Decree Nisi
The next stage is ‘Decree Nisi’. This is the first stage of the legal divorce. There is generally no need to attend court.
Decree Absolute
The final divorce happens when Decree Absolute is granted. This cannot be applied for 6 weeks and 1 day from the Decree Nisi has passed. The court will only grant a Decree Absolute if the judge considers arrangements for children are in order.