4 Important Steps to Take if You Decide to Divorce

While most couples who tie the knot hope that their marriage will be for life, things don't always work out the way people hope. As a result, many relationships break down to the point of no return, with one or both parties deciding that they want to put an end to the marriage by officially getting divorced.

The challenging financial environment and recession in the UK has resulted in a rising number of couples deciding to work at their marriage rather than get divorced over the past few years. However, even in this financial climate there are still couples who simply want to draw a line, end the marriage and start afresh. If you decide that you want to get divorced, there are many important factors that you will need to take into consideration and a number of initial steps you will need to take before you get the ball rolling.

4 initial steps you need to take if you want to get divorced

The divorce process can be a lengthy and stressful one, so you need to be sure. Before you get the ball rolling, there are a number of steps that you should take to help ensure you are fully prepared. This includes the following.

• Whether your partner is agreeable: you may need to determine whether your partner is agreeable to the divorce, as this can change the process you go through and the level of complication you are likely to face. If your partner is agreeable to divorce you will need to be separated for at least two years before you divorce. If your partner is not agreeable, you will need to be separated for at least five years before the courts will look at granting your divorce. Of course, if your partner has cheated on you, deserted you, or has behaved unreasonably these are all grounds for divorce and you will not need to determine whether your partner will agree to end the marriage.

• Work out whether you need a solicitor: although many people do use a solicitor to deal with their divorce, this is not something that you have to do. You should assess your situation and circumstances and work our whether you need a solicitor. If you do not have children or any significant assets, you should find that the divorce process is pretty straightforward without the need for a solicitor. If you have kids and shared assets and the divorce is likely to become a battleground, hiring a solicitor is strongly advised.

• Work out the cost of divorce: the amount that it will cost you to get divorced will vary based on your situation, circumstances, and whether you decide to enlist legal assistance. Even if you decide to handle the divorce yourself by getting the necessary divorce forms, completing them and submitting them to the courts, you will still have to pay at least several hundred pounds for administration costs and court fees. Make sure you look into how much the process will cost so that you are financially prepared.

• Consider the after effects: before you get those forms signed, sealed and posted, make sure you take some time to consider the after-effects of divorce. You need to make sure that you are fully prepared for the changes that can arise from getting divorced, including financial changes. Thinking about these before you get the ball rolling is highly advisable so you know exactly what sorts of challenges you may be facing if you decide to go ahead with the divorce.

These are steps that will not only help you to take the right course of action when it comes to your divorce but can also help you to better prepare for life after divorce.