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What does a divorce paper look like?

Q: What does a divorce paper look like?

A divorce paper lays out the known facts about your marriage, some details relating to the divorce application, and all correspondence details.

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As the respondent in a divorce or civil dissolution application, you will receive a copy of the divorce or dissolution application from the courts, via email or post. These are also known as divorce papers.

A divorce paper, or divorce application, is a formal document issued by HM Courts and Tribunals Services at the beginning of divorce proceedings. It lays out the known facts about your marriage, some details relating to the divorce application, and all correspondence details.

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A divorce paper includes:

The divorce paper includes various details and statements. Firstly, it contains the case reference number for identification purposes. The date of issuance is also mentioned to indicate when the process began. The applicant(s) are identified, specifying who initiated the divorce proceedings. Similarly, the respondent, who is the other party involved, is clearly stated. The document provides information about the marriage, including the names of the individuals involved, the location where the marriage took place, and the date of the marriage.

Since April 2022, the only accepted reason for divorce is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. The paper also inquires whether the applicant intends to apply for a financial order. The lawyer’s correspondence address is included for any necessary communication. Contact details of the respondent and applicants are provided for further correspondence. Lastly, there is a statement of truth, a concise sentence affirming that the applicant believes the stated facts to be accurate.

A step by step guide to getting a divorce

How do I respond to a divorce petition?

Seeking legal advice from a specialist divorce lawyer is essential to help with the complexities of divorce. Stowe offers experienced and compassionate family lawyers who work with clients to identify the best approach, whether it’s mediation, collaborative law, arbitration, or a lawyer-led approach. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your options and alleviate some of the immediate fears and concerns. Feedback from clients suggests that they feel a huge sense of relief following their first conversation with a divorce solicitor.
Child Arrangements

Consider child arrangements with your ex-partner, and if an agreement cannot be reached, a family lawyer can help negotiate and seek a legally binding order. In the UK, the family court prioritizes the welfare of children and decisions regarding their care are made with their best interests in mind. Maintaining relations with both parents is important for the child’s welfare, unless evidence suggests otherwise.
Review your finances

Gather as much information as you can about your own and your ex-partner’s financial situations. This includes information about property, bank accounts, investments, and pensions, as well as mortgages, loans, and debts. All potential financial obligations, such as child support or spousal maintenance, must be considered.

While it is not necessary to provide exact details right away, it is a good idea to prepare as much as possible so that you have a reliable overview of your and your ex-partner’s financial circumstances with which to begin developing a plan that will ensure you get the best possible outcome.
Talk to your spouse

Divorce does not have to mean the end of communication between you and your ex-partner. You may be able to reach an agreement on some matters. For example, you may be able to agree on child custody arrangements but require the assistance of a family lawyer to reach financial agreements.

Talking things out can help you feel more in control of the situation and is cost-effective way to settle disagreements. However, before reaching any agreement with your spouse, we recommend that you consult with a divorce law specialist to ensure that you understand your full rights and that the terms of the agreement you reach are fair in all circumstances.

Click here for a range of tools to help you through your relationship breakdown and beyond.

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Submit your details, and we’ll arrange a free, no-obligation callback at a time to suit you. Please note that we cannot offer Legal aid.

0330 056 3171

Request Free Callback

Submit your details, and we’ll arrange a free, no-obligation callback at a time to suit you. Please note that we cannot offer Legal aid.

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Tel* We’ll use this number to call you. If your callback is of a sensitive nature, you might find it useful to choose a number that allows you to speak privately.
For UK numbers, please omit the first zero when entering. For Non-UK numbers, please select the correct country code from the drop-down menu.
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What our clients say

I have been working with Mira for around 2 years to finalise my divorce financial settlement. It has been a very difficult time for me personally so it proved reassuring to know Stowe and Mira were handling it on my behalf. They have been both professional and prompt in our correspondence and meetings. I would recommend them to friends which I believe is the true measure of a company.

Client: Mrs G

A divorce is one of the most stressful life experiences any individual can go through, most legal cases require a typical robotic solicitor that will undoubtedly do their very best to assist your legal case. However, I found a divorce to be a little too close to home, where I required a very well-trained solicitor that has a profound knowledge of the family law arena but at the same time offer a sympathetic, understanding and kind approach but with the upmost professionalism. Charlotte delivered on all of my requirements. Charlotte is extremely proactive and direct but also has the ability to be reserved when required which is a skill that lends itself to her natural strategic mindset. At every juncture she was never phased and had a wealth of knowledge and experience to give the best advice and solutions for every situation. I would like to say Charlotte won the case, but unfortunately in family law there is no winners and losers, but I can safety say I had an outcome that far exceeded my expectations. Thank you Charlotte.

Client: Anon

Kate, was amazing and very understanding of my situation while proceeding with divorce. She explained my options thoroughly therefore I could make the right decision for my children and I. Kate supported me all the way through the divorce. I would definitely recommend Kate and Stowe Family Law as your family solicitors.

Client: Mrs B

We approached Stowe Family Law to deal with divorce proceedings. Charlotte Newman was appointed as our solicitor and throughout she was fantastic. Very knowledgeable, helpful and behind us 100%. We couldn't be more grateful for help in matters and we were delighted with the outcome. We certainly recommend Stowe Family Law given our experience.

Client: Ms B

Camilla was excellent in every aspect of my divorce/family matters. I would highly recommend her for her professionalism throughout.

Client: Ms W

Jennifer helped me over a period of almost 3 years when she assisted me in a difficult divorce procedure. We developed a good relationship during which she gave me the confidence to move forward in a way that would benefit myself and my family for the future. I came to trust her professional judgement and advice in all the situations that arose. I knew I could approach her whenever necessary for help and support on all matters. Her calm, measured manner made me feel comfortable when addressing the difficult issues. I will always value her kindness and support in helping me to move on with my life.

Client: Mrs M

I would like to thank Kate Sarsfield, QC Katherine Dunseath and Gill Bridger for all the hard work and immense support they have all given me over the past six months. Stowe handled my divorce in 2013 to 2015 and then a capital settlement plus lifetime maintenance for our down syndrome daughter five years later. It has been an extremely emotional and stressful experience for myself and our two special needs children. I cannot thank the Stowe team enough for their professionalism, quality advice, empathy and wonderful support. We fought a very hard battle and won! I will always recommend Stowe Family Law.

Client: Ms G

Sarah is extremely diligent, hard working and thinks outside the box which enables her to achieve good results under difficult circumstances. I was particularly impressed with her calm approach during the divorce proceedings, something that made me feel in control of the situation. Sarah cares about her clients needs and looks at the bigger picture, making her clients aware of potential issues. I am very grateful to Sarah for her insight and advice on issues that I never would have even considered were an important part of my divorce case. Divorce is a very unpleasant experience and if you are unfortunate to have to go through the process, you require a legal representative who is on top of their game, has great personal interaction and communication skills and makes their client feel that they are in very safe and competent hands. Sarah Hodges is that solicitor.

Client: Mr H