When sourcing legal assistance for your divorce, you may well come across offers of cheap services and DIY divorces – often through paid advertisements. This marketing can often mislead people about the process by making them believe that they can simply achieve the very best outcome from their divorce with minimal spending, or perhaps even for free if they do it all themselves.
However, we’re here to highlight why it’s important to not take the cheap and easy route when it comes to divorce, as it often results in you not achieving your desired result, and may even make things more complicated in the long run.
The Impact of the No-Fault Divorce Procedure
Back in April 2022, the ‘no-fault divorce’ procedure was introduced into England and Wales as a result of The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020. The HMCTS online portal allows divorce cases to be handled online, negating the need for paper applications and the risk of the order being lost in the post. Updates are instant, in a majority of cases, divorcing spouses will never have to set foot inside a court as the case proceeds to final order.
It is true that this change in law certainly streamlines the divorce process for litigants in person (those who choose to not have legal representation), and also provides a simplification of legal terminology that makes it far easier for people to understand and advocate for their rights (for example, “petitioner” has become “applicant”, “decree absolute” is now “final order”). With divorce procedures now more convenient than ever, it’s easy for people to feel confident enough to tackle their case without the assistance of a legal representative. However, what many people don’t realise is that divorce is only one part of the procedure.
Other Factors to Consider During a Divorce Case
Although quick divorce options legally ends the marriage and entities both parties to remarry if they so choose, what they don’t account for is financial matters such as property and asset ownership, pensions, investments and wills. Even if both parties agree with how these aspects should be divided, it is nevertheless a good idea to consult with an experienced divorce solicitor who can prepare all of the necessary paperwork to file with the court so that a final order can be made.
In a vast majority of cases, divorcing spouses are seeking a clean break – meaning that once a final order has gone through, no further claims can be made in life or death by either party in relation to their past marriage. As such, when dealing with important financial matters during a divorce, it is vital that you seek out legal guidance rather than going at it alone in order to ensure that both parties can fairly have their respective needs met.
Looking for Family Law Mediation in Ebbw Vale?
Resolving a divorce case alone is rarely straightforward, so we’d highly recommend that you seek expert legal advice. If you’re looking for a family solicitor near you, the team at Richards & Lewis in Ebbw Vale would be more than happy to assist you with your case. Our team of experienced and empathetic lawyers will be by your side throughout this difficult process. Simply get in touch to find out how we can help you.