Divorce Paperwork

The Court needs a number of documents when you file for divorce.  You have to file a Petition setting out the basis of the divorce, and you must file an official form of marriage certificate.  If it is not in English, you will need a translation.  If you have children then you must also file a Statement of Arrangements concerning them.  When a solicitor files the papers, a Certificate Regarding Reconciliation advice must be filed.

The Court processes these documents and they are sent (“served”) on the other party, who has a limited time to file an Acknowledgement.  There is a further limited time in which the other party can file a Defence.

If the other party does not file an Acknowledgement of Service there may have to be proof of service by other means.

Then the Petitioner applies to the court for a certificate confirming that the contents of the Petition are proven, that the papers have been served, and that the time for filing a defence has expired.  A Judge will make that certification and list the matter for a decree nisi.  Six weeks after decree nisi, the Petitioner can apply for the decree to be made absolute.

The process is essentially administrative and does not require any personal attendances unless there are special circumstances.

What our clients are saying:

TR - Hertfordshire

"I want to thank you for your support Julius over the year and of course I repeat what I said before, your fees are worth every penny!"