We know that the speed and convenience of online divorce is appealing. This article explains when it is appropriate and when it is not.
What is online divorce?
Launched in May 2018, the online divorce platform allows members of the public to be able to petition for a divorce themselves online on the government website.
You will be guided through a series of questions and will be asked to upload several documents. The forms are available for free, along with guides at www.gov.uk/divorce.
The court fee which is currently £593, paid for online when the application is made.
When is online divorce appropriate?
The online divorce process is worth considering if you have no difficulty completing forms online, and understand the process and questions asked of you on the website. The website sets out a step-by-step guide. We often advise clients to access the website first to see if they would feel comfortable doing this themselves or whether they would like us to take the stress away and represent them in the divorce process.
It should be noted that the online divorce process does not include finalising the financial arrangements. We would advise that obtaining legal advice about your financial situation is essential. A financial remedy order is needed to ensure you have a clean break. You need advice as to what you are entitled to and what would be a fair financial settlement.
If you have children and cannot agree arrangements, you may also need legal advice on that issue.
What value can solicitors add to a divorce?
Solicitors can advise and assist on the divorce process and prepare the application for you and progress the matter on the divorce portal which has been set up for Solicitors.
Any additional matters outside of the divorce itself, such as negotiating agreements to do with children and finances on your behalf, can be done by the Solicitor.
Having a solicitor providing legal advice ensures that you are supported throughout the process which can help to reduce the emotional burden. A solicitor can also ensure that the forms are completed correctly so that there are no delays and increased costs incurred by errors made on the forms.
Here at Banner Jones, we offer a fixed fee consultation at our offices in Chesterfield, Dronfield, Mansfield and Sheffield where we can talk through all of the options with you. We can deal with any issues that you may have with your case and come up with the best way forward for you. We also offer fixed fees for the Divorce Proceedings and for preparing Financial Remedy Orders.
To find out more, talk to our team on: 0330 017 6302 or visit our divorce pages for more information.
- Director
- Solicitor
- Head of Family Law