Divorce can be a challenging time for families.
Divorce is the formal step of legally dissolving a marriage after both parties have been ‘separated’ for 12 months. A divorce order can only be made where the court is satisfied the marriage has “irretrievably” broken down, proven by the parties having lived apart for a year or more.
Once a divorce occurs, important time limits arise for certain actions to occur. Within 12 months from the date, the parties must have reached a formal agreement about their property settlement and spousal maintenance , or have started court proceedings for financial orders in that time frame.
If you have children under 18 years of age, the court needs to be satisfied that the care arrangements for the children are proper before granting a divorce. It is also important to note that that changes to your Will also occur upon your change in relationship. To find out more, please click here. Once a divorce order is made final, the parties are free to remarry.