In order to obtain a divorce you must have been married for at least 12 months and must be able to demonstrate that your marriage has suffered 'irretrievable breakdown'. The process of obtaining a divorce is relatively straightforward.
At the first meeting with your solicitor you will discuss the reasons for the breakdown of the marriage and whether the marriage can be saved. Is it possible still to save the marriage? If not, do you nevertheless need counselling to help you through the process?
You may be required to provide information in relation to the date of separation; details of any children of the family including the proposed future arrangements for the children; details of your own and your partner's assets, income, savings and pension interests.
Divorce is usually a paper based process from the issue of a divorce petition to decree nisi and then to decree absolute when the divorce becomes final. Upon receiving the Decree Absolute, it may be necessary for you to make a new Will unless the existing will was made in contemplation of Divorce. You probably will not have to attend court, unless arrangements for the children cannot be agreed and require the intervention of the court before the decree can become absolute. This is unlikely.
Our family law unit offers a highly skilled team of matrimonial solicitors who deal with divorce on a daily basis. We will advise you on the most cost effective and efficient way of proceeding with a divorce in the circumstances of your case. Our solicitors do understand that divorce can be an emotionally testing time for all of those involved; we are there to shoulder the burden for you so you can begin the process of re-building your life.