Divorce

DIVORCE  LAWYERS HILLINGDON

DIVORCE & FAMILY LAW

It estimated that around thirty percent of marriages now end in divorce and unfortunately where relationships break down disputes over matrimonial property, maintenance and children can and do happen.  Our Hillingdon divorce solicitors are all to aware of this and strive to take a sensitive approach and mediate issues out of court where possible.

How we can help clients in Hillingdon

Our solicitors in Hillingdon are experienced and provide a range of divorce services and services for other related issues.  We can provide advice regarding:

  • · Judicial separation issues and separation agreements
  • · Child residence issues and residence order applications
  • · Child contact and contract order applications
  • · Spouse and child maintenance issues
  • · Matrimonial property issues
  • · Pension issues related to divorce
  • · Co-habitation disputes and issues

Legal issues regarding applications for divorce and separation

To apply for a divorce, you must have been married for 12 months or more and the marriage must have irrecoverably broken down.  One of the following things must also apply: things must apply: the respondent must have committed adultery or exhibited unreasonable behaviour, the respondent has deserted the petitioner for two or more years or both parties have been living apart for two or more years and both agree to a divorce.  Judicial separation (which can be distinguished from living apart from a partner as it is a legal process) has the same requirements except you do not have to be married for one year.  Judicial separation only requires one decree to be issued by a court (decree of separation) whereas divorce requires two (decree nisi and decree absolute).

Sensitive, practical divorce and separation advice in Hillingdon

If you are based in Hillingdon and need sensitive and practical legal advice related to divorce, separation and other related issues, get in touch and find out what we can do to help.

FAQs about:
Divorce

Should I resolve financial issues before starting formal divorce proceedings?

Generally it is a good idea that you try and resolve some issues as obviously settling them in court will add to your legal proceedings and the amount of time it takes for the divorce to be finalised.

Can I get a divorce even if I am still living with my spouse?

Yes you may, but you have to show that you are not living as a married couple.  If you are living in separate rooms and not sharing housework, then that will be sufficient.  Also, bear in mind that you must fulfil the legal grounds for divorce, such as unreasonable behaviour on the part of the respondent.

My spouse will not let me live in the property despite the fact we own it jointly.  What can I do?

If you jointly own the property, then you have a legal right to stay in the property.  Rather than rushing to court, it makes sense to get a solicitor to write a formal letter stating your rights.  The final stage will be applying to the court for an order to allow you to live in the property.  However, if the spouse shows evidence of violence, then the court can issue an injunction barring the violent spouse from the property.

How long should I have been married for before applying to the courts for a divorce ?

The minimum length of time is twelve months.  If you not been married this long, you can however apply to be legally separated.

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