Divorce
Symes Robinson & Lee solicitors provide advice and assistance on all aspects of divorce and family law. If you are experiencing a family breakdown, divorce, or just want to know where you stand we can help.
Divorce can be due to many reasons and is often very emotionally difficult. Symes Robinson & Lee have the expertise and experience to help relieve some of the pressures and complexities of the divorce procedure. We can help to allay some of your concerns and we will advise on your rights and the likely financial consequences of the divorce.
To commence a divorce in England & Wales you must first lodge a petition. This will embody the grounds and facts upon which you seek your divorce. If you have children, you will also need to lodge a statement of arrangements for the children. To lodge a divorce petition, you will normally need to have been married for at least 1 year.
There is only one ground for a divorce and that is irretrievable breakdown. You prove the irretrievable breakdown by establishing one of the following:
- Unreasonable behaviour
- Adultery
- You have been separated for 2 or more years and both parties agree to a divorce
- You and your spouse have been separated for at least 5 years preceding the lodging of the petition for divorce at court and your spouse does not consent.
- You have been deserted for 2 years
The petition is sent to the court and the court will then send a copy to your spouse. Providing you can prove one of the above and your spouse does not defend the petition you could expect to have the provisional divorce order (decree nisi) within about 3 months. The divorce does not take effect until the court has issued the decree absolute which can be applied for six weeks after the date of the decree nisi. There may however be important financial considerations to consider before applying for the decree absolute and this is something that we will discuss with you at the time. In an uncontested and divorce.
Our compassionate and friendly staff are here to advise you on your individual circumstances.
For more infomation please contact one of the following:
| Name | Position | Office |
| Patrick Langrishe | Partner | Budleigh Salterton |
| Mark Arden LLB Hons | Senior Solicitor | Crediton |
| Emily Green | Assistant Solictior | Exeter |
| Ida Merrison | Solicitor | Exeter |
