hiya bucks in Bourne End, Flackwell Heath, Marlow, Wycombe, Wooburn January 2019 | Page 27

A New Year and a new you The first working Monday of the month of January, following the Christmas and New Year festivities is commonly known as “divorce day”, due to the large rise in divorce enquires. Generally, this trend follows a period of busy, and often intense, family celebrations which can cause cracks in relationships to surface. The New Year is a time for reflection and resolutions, which can result in individuals making changes, such as, seeking legal advice. For some, the decision will have been made prior to the festive period, but perhaps for the sake of their children, they decided to remain together for one last Christmas. (d) You have lived apart for a continuous period of at least two years immediately before the start of the divorce. It is possible to live apart, whilst living under the same roof, if you live entirely separate lives. Taking the first step to seek advice from a solicitor can be a daunting and emotional time. (e) You and your spouse have lived apart for a Some may feel that divorce is the only option continuous period of at least five years, and their relationship cannot be salvaged, there immediately before the start of the divorce. is no right or wrong way to feel in that situation, however, some find it helpful to undertake The current law does not allow “no fault counselling before contacting a family lawyer. divorces” and instead requires the parties to rely on the factors above, the most common In the UK there is only one ground for divorce of which is unreasonable behaviour. These that is that the marriage has irretrievably broken factors are fault based and therefore can result down. In order to be eligible to petition for a in a “blame game” which can result in a lot divorce, you need to have been married for of animosity. more than a year. To support your petition and prove the irretrievable breakdown of the Resolving matters in a non-confrontational marriage, one of the following five facts must manner is generally more beneficial to both be relied upon: parties. At Blaser Mills Law, we seek to resolve disputes as amicably as possible and provide (a) Your spouse has behaved unreasonably support and legal advice in a sensitive and and you cannot be expected to live with compassionate matter. If litigation cannot them. Examples of this include lack of be avoided, we will litigate firmly to ensure emotional support, financial irresponsibility that your interests are fully protected and or domestic violence. your objectives reached in the most cost- effective manner. (b) Your spouse has committed adultery and you find it intolerable to live with. If you would like any further information on the content of this article, or on divorce in (c) Your spouse has left you, without your general, please do not hesitate to contact consent, for a continuous period of at Javita Malhotra on 01494 781358 least two years immediately before the or at [email protected] start of the divorce. blasermills.co.uk | 27 hiyabucks.com