Based on the above process we have taken a fresh look at our services to bring you two affordable fixed fee solutions: Do you need a Solicitor? Although you can progress your divorce yourself, there are reasons why you should consider a solicitor. The documents appear straight forward but the Court needs specific information to be provided to enable the divorce to progress smoothly. Also, you may want to take advice about your children or financial matters as part of the divorce process and a solicitor can help you with all of these. 5 Regional offices We have an independent mediation service Resolution accredited 96% of our clients would recommend us to a friend 96% Over 135 years of experience Variety of specialist lawyers Ranked in the Legal 500 for services to Family Law Why Choose Banner Jones? 135 YEARS Forms Assist: £350 +VAT Plus court fee Complete Assist: £500 +VAT Plus court fee To start divorce proceedings you need to establish: You have been married for more than 1 year Your marriage has "irretrievably broken down" supported by one of the five grounds for divorce: The English Court has the jurisdiction to divorce you Adultery Unreasonable Behaviour 2 year separation & other party consents to divorce 5 year separation: no consent required 2 year desertion by other party “Divorce” is more often than not, a paper exercise and no-one usually attends Court The average length of an uncontested divorce is usually around 6 months 6 Join our Social Networks If you are considering getting a divorce contact one of our expert solicitors who will give you specialist advice on the divorce process: Phone: 0333 200 2300 Web: www.bannerjones.co.uk/page/divorce-and-separation At Banner Jones Solicitors our expert team are here to guide you through the divorce process step by step Family Law: Divorce The Banner Jones Process 42% of UK marriages end in divorce. It is important to understand your rights and the overall process 42% Stage 2 We will: Prepare a form to confirm to the Court what, if anything has changed, since the divorce proceedings were started The form is sent to the Court and the District Judge decides if you have sufficient grounds to divorce your husband / wife - If so, the Court sends us a certificate called a Decree Nisi The Decree Absolute brings your marriage to an end and leaves you free to re-marry Stage 3 We will: Prepare your application for Decree Absolute (6 weeks and a day after Decree Nisi) We will send this to the Court Stage 1 We will: Prepare Divorce Petition form to start proceedings confirming the reason for divorce Send the petition to the Court to start your divorce, together with a statement of arrangements for any children Your spouse receives a copy of the petition and a form which he/she has to complete and return to the court You will need to provide: A marriage certificate (we can help you get a copy if you don’t have one) Court Fee £410 (as of March 2014)