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We have specialists in many areas of legal practice. Make an enquiry today: 0330 333 2613

Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act will be officially introduced April 6th 2022

The Government have made an announcement that the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 will come into force on April 6^th 2022. The purpose of this Act is to allow for married couples to divorce without assigning blame.

Originally, the plan was to implement the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act in autumn 2021. However, this has been delayed due to the technical side of executing such a big change.

What does the new Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act mean?

There are many changes that will be made stemming from the implementation of the new Act, such as:

The term ‘no-fault divorce’ will replace the five currently listed options on legal documents for the reason of divorce (adultery, behaviour, desertion, two years separation, five years separation).
The necessity to blame each other when going through a divorce will be eliminated.
The option to contest a divorce will no longer be possible.
It will be possible to give notice of intended divorce or the end of your civil partnership either as an individual, or as a couple.
After giving notice, there will be two stages that will be known as ‘Decree Nisi’ and ‘Decree Absolute.
Each couple will have to go through a six-month minimum notice period.

The shift from fault-based to no-fault divorce proceedings is long overdue and welcomed by many nationwide. Moving away from assigning blame to one person aims to empower people to make decisions about their separation, thus making proceedings more amicable and keeping conflict to a minimum.

How we can help

Our dedicated team are committed to resolving all issues relating to your case, as swiftly and with as little confrontation as possible. This is an approach that will help limit the damage to you and your family, emotionally and financially.

The level of help you would like from us is entirely up to you. For further information, please contact us.

Funding your case

For most matters we provide fixed fees or transparent hourly rates. You will always know of any costs up front and we will keep you updated if anything changes.

If you are concerned that you may not be able to afford legal advice, then you may be eligible for legal aid funding from the government in specific and limited circumstances.

Location

Our Solicitors can provide expert advice across the country with a network of offices based in: Chesterfield, Derby, Mansfield and Nottingham.

How to get in contact

Our team are on hand to help you and can assist wherever you are based. Please call us on 0330 333 2613 for a no-obligation, initial discussion or email enquiries@elliotmather.co.uk and we will call or email you back.

For further information regarding the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act, please follow the link: https://resolution.org.uk/news/government-commits-to-6th-april-for-introduction-of-divorce-dissolution-and-separation-act/

Family

Julie Skill

LLP Member and Head of Department

Specialism's

Julie has practised family law since 1989 and she is Head of Family Law based at Elliot Mather’s Chesterfield office.

Her interest in family law originated from 5 years working as a court clerk for Chesterfield County Court. Julie initially joined the firm as a paralegal before becoming a Member of the Institute of Legal Executives in 1994 and later qualifying as a solicitor.

Julie is also an accredited family mediator.

Julie advises on pre-nuptial agreements and if the worst happens and a relationship does fail, she handles all aspects of that relationship breakdown including issues relating to children, finances and domestic abuse in an efficient and practical manner.

A large proportion of Julie's workload comes from personal recommendations.

Areas of interest and experience

Drafting thorough and comprehensive pre-nuptial or cohabitation agreements to provide for the unfortunate breakdown of relationships
Acting for the husband or the wife in the breakdown of a marriage or civil partnership to agree an acceptable solution to issues of a financial nature including lump sums, property adjustment orders, pension sharing and attachment orders as well as maintenance (both for a spouse and children)
Advising company directors, or their spouse, on the financial settlements – which are usually complicated by the requirement for a valuation of the business or director’s shareholding and pension rights
Divorce or relationship breakdown, where there is substantial property holdings – often including properties overseas.
Advising on the treatment of inherited assets in divorce, particularly in farming families where a farm may be jointly owned with siblings
Supporting clients in situations of domestic violence
Advising parents regarding arrangements for their children including where the children should live and how much time they should spend with the other parent.
Advising parents where either they or their former partner want to take children to live either outside or England and Wales or elsewhere in the UK.

Professional memberships & pro bono

Julie is a Resolution accredited specialist solicitor in the areas of financial provision, private law children work and domestic abuse and an accredited family mediator. Resolution (www.resolution.org.uk) campaigns for the improvement of family law and the family justice system and is committed to developing and promoting the highest standards of practice.

Julie is listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw