Since March 2022, there has been a change to divorce law in the UK, and now you can apply for a no-fault divorce. This is exactly what it sounds like; unlike previous divorce law, you no longer need to have one of the five reasons to divorce your partner. Now a divorce can simply be because you and your partner no longer love each other or have grown apart.
However, that is not to say that the divorce process is suddenly easier. Rather this has been aimed at reducing hostility and hurt emotions surrounding divorce while also ensuring that there is an amicable solution for all involved. But there are still some things you can do to ensure that your divorce goes off without a hitch.
At Prentice Family Law, our divorce solicitors in Guildford will always support our clients with getting a no-fault divorce. We can advise you on the steps required to ensure that your divorce does indeed remain amicable and help with areas surrounding child access and maintenance.
So, with that in mind, what are some of the things that you can do to ensure that your divorce is not prolonged and does not stir unpleasant emotions? Here are some tips from our divorce solicitors in Guildford.
Try to bury hostility
Just because you are applying for a no-fault divorce does not mean that there will not be hostility. Indeed, many people become surprised at how much emotion any kind of divorce can stir up. According to our divorce solicitors in Guildford, it is best to try and bury the hostility, even though your spouse cannot stop the divorce process or disagree with it if it is not fault-based. However, they can still cause issues with communication and other aspects of your life, so try to be as non-confrontational as possible.
Be open and honest
Many people associate divorce with being a blame game, but if you were responsible for the marriage breaking down or the one who fell out of love with your spouse, you should be open and honest. This will help to negotiate boundaries with your former spouse and highlight that you are not acting out of spite.
Find an appropriate solicitor
As with any divorce in the UK, you will need to find an appropriate solicitor to defend your side,
and our team at Prentice Family Law is more than happy to do this. Just make sure that any legal team you choose has the appropriate experience in divorce proceedings and can provide you with adequate legal guidance.
Gather paperwork
Nothing slows down a divorce faster than missing paperwork, and this will relate to all aspects of your marriage, from your marriage certificate to any assets you share, such as a home, car, or stocks and bonds abroad. Having all the necessary paperwork will help us negotiate which assets are to be divided and ensure that everybody gets what they are entitled to.
Keep up maintenance payments (if necessary)
If you have children and are paying maintenance, even amidst a divorce, you will need to keep these payments going; this will ensure that your children are kept happy and healthy and prevent stress from your former partner.