In 2020, we’ll see long overdue changes made to the UK’s archaic divorce laws, which will make “the irretrievable breakdown of a marriage” the sole grounds for a divorce.
It has yet to be seen how this impacts on divorce rates in the UK, but it will undoubtedly make it easier for couples to file with the courts and remove much of the angst and acrimony currently associated with the termination of marriage.
However, the fact remains that divorce is a financially and emotionally challenging time for all parties involved, while the irreconcilable breakdown of a family unit can also have damaging long-term consequences. With this in mind, here are some of the key things that you need to know before getting a divorce in 2019,
- How Long Does a Divorce Take?
The perception of divorce is far from positive, with some particularly high-profile separations taking years to confirm in law.
However, the average length of time it takes to conclude a divorce in the UK is just 12 months, whilst particularly amicable settlements can be concluded in around six months.
The average time of a divorce could fall even further under the new laws to be passed in 2020, depending on the nature of the relationship involved and the attitude of both parties.
2. You’ll Need to Liaise with Legal Experts and Mediators
If you are expecting an amicable divorce with a relatively simple and transparent settlement, there may be a temptation to manage this process without the help of expert legal counsel.
However, this is a flawed approach, as even relatively simple divorce petitions can become bogged down by emotional conflicts and the smallest technical detail. It’s also important for people to concentrate on shielding their children during a divorce, and it’s hard to do this effectively when dealing with financial settlements and ongoing negotiations.
With this in mind, you should look to liaise with expert service providers such as Withers Worldwide. This can provide you with clear direction at the outset of your divorce, whilst it enables you to secure a quick and painless divorce without causing you to compromise on other aspects of your life.
3. What form do Settlements Take?
The term ‘settlement’ is a largely nebulous one, but it essentially refers to the distribution of wealth and assets according to the agreed terms of a divorce.
In the absence of a prenuptial agreement, much of this settlement will have to be negotiated by the two parties, and it will include any co-owned properties or joint business ventures.
Exceptions can be made for assets that existed before the marriage, but this will depend on various factors and such assets may be included in the settlement in some instances.
This is yet another argument for working closely with legal experts, as these individuals can provide clarity on complex settlements and create mutually agreeable outcomes for all parties involved.
