Divorce is a stress-inducing process. Add a pandemic and what you get is an extremely complicated, stressful, and potentially slow divorce procedure. We often hear about the problems of social isolation during these unprecedented times but we rarely hear about how hard it is to be stuck in lockdown with people who we want to separate from. Here at Prentice Family Law, we understand this and will continue to give our specialised, tailored fit service to advise in all things family related.
Rest assured the divorce solicitors in Weybridge can advise, manage and talk you through the initial process of separation. By understanding the process, your rights, and your options, you can ease the anxiety you may be feeling.
What’s first?
At Prentice Family Law, we offer a free consultation with any of our divorce solicitors in Weybridge, or other locations, to go over your unique situation. As each person is different and therefore requires different needs, we ask that you please book an appointment with our accommodating legal assistant. This is to get a better sense of your situation, and we will be able to better prepare for your appointment.
This initial consultation is to help you decide if our firm is right for you. Therefore, we advise you to ask us about any fears or worries you may have, and we will answer these question to the best of our ability.
In the current climate meeting, face to face can be tricky. In response to this, we offer several methods of communication. These include:
- Telephone
- Skype
- Letter
And of course, when safe to do so, face-to-face meetings are optional. We want to be as accessible to you as possible. We can even schedule appointments outside working hours, such as evenings and weekends.
After I choose a firm, what’s next?
The divorce process can be broken down into two parts, i.e. the divorce petition and the divorce procedure.
The divorce petition is what sets the divorce in motion. To do this, you must issue the divorce on one of the five factual circumstances:
- Adultery
- Unreasonable behaviour
- Desertion
- Separated and living apart for more than two years and your spouse agrees to a divorce
- Separated and living apart from your spouse for over five years whether or whether not your spouse agrees to a divorce.
The divorce procedure starts with your spouse, otherwise known as the ‘respondent’, receiving the petition. They must sign, complete, and return the forms to the court. The next stage is the decree nisi, being officially divorced.
However, the financial arrangements and childcare have not been decided. Consequently, you will need specialist legal advice on those matters.
Finance & childcare
Finance and childcare can be some of the most stressful aspects and barriers when it comes to divorce. Here at the Prentice Family Law, we understand the emotional turmoil that accompanies this process. We seek to resolve any financial issues that may and are likely to arise, clearly and honestly. When it comes to children, our best advice for parents is to consider the needs of the child. Often it is best if the parents can resolve custody between themselves. However, if this can not be resolved by the parents alone, there are alternative routes.
Divorce is rarely straightforward, and while there is a pandemic, it can feel like climbing a mountain. However, the divorce solicitors in Weybridge can break the process down into more manageable rolling hills.