Introduction
Are you thinking about ending your marriage or civil partnership? This simple guide will walk you through your options, including divorce, legal separation, and annulment, helping you understand your rights and the steps involved. If you need assistance navigating this challenging time, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to support you. With Contend, you can access the easiest legal help in the UK, ensuring you have the guidance you need to resolve your legal issues with confidence.
If you’re considering ending your marriage or civil partnership, it’s important to understand your options. Here’s a straightforward look at the different ways you can do this, along with some helpful resources.
1. Getting a Divorce or Dissolution
If you’re married and want to officially end your marriage, you will need to apply for a divorce. On the other hand, if you’re in a civil partnership, you’ll be applying for a dissolution.
To get a divorce or dissolution, you must prove that your relationship has “irretrievably broken down.” This means that there’s no chance of resolving your issues together.
2. Legal Separation
If you’re not ready to get a divorce or dissolution, or if you have religious or cultural reasons for not wanting to, you can opt for a legal separation. This allows you to live apart while still being legally married or in a civil partnership.
A legal separation can help you make important decisions about finances and living arrangements without formally ending your relationship. It costs £365, and you can apply together with your partner or individually.
Keep in mind that a legal separation doesn’t prevent you from getting a divorce or dissolution later on.
3. Annulment
If your marriage or civil partnership isn’t legally valid, you might consider an annulment. This means asking the court to declare that your relationship never legally existed.
Common reasons for annulment include:
- One partner was already married or in a civil partnership.
- One partner didn’t fully consent to the marriage or civil partnership, perhaps due to being forced or intoxicated.
- You haven’t had sexual relations since the marriage (not applicable for same-sex couples).
An annulment costs £593 and can take a few months to finalize. It’s advisable to seek legal advice before pursuing this option. You can find a solicitor through the Resolution website.
4. What to Consider Before Ending Your Relationship
Before you make any decisions, think about the following:
- How will you divide your finances?
- What will happen to your shared home?
- Where will your children live, and how will you co-parent?
If you’ve been married or in a civil partnership for less than a year, you cannot apply for a divorce or dissolution yet. However, you can still seek a legal separation during this time.
5. Safety First
If you feel threatened or anxious because of your partner’s behavior, it’s crucial to seek help.
- Women can contact Refuge or Women’s Aid at 0808 2000 247 for support.
- Men can reach out to the Men’s Advice Line at 0808 801 0327, available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
Conclusion
Ending a marriage or civil partnership is a significant decision that can be complicated. Whether you choose to get a divorce, a legal separation, or an annulment, it’s important to understand your options and seek help when needed. If you’re unsure about what to do next, consider trying Contend’s legal expert chat for guidance. Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts will work with you to provide support and help you understand and resolve your legal problems. Contend is the Easiest Legal Help in the UK.
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