“If you want something done, do it yourself, if you can”
“The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (DDSA 2020) represents the biggest reform of divorce laws in half a century (25 years after it was first attempted in 1997) and aims to reduce the impact that conflict and allegations of blame can have on families, and in particular, on any children” -MOJ- Protecting and advancing the principles of justice– Information Pack
The DDSA 2020 brings divorce law in line with the government’s aim and approach to family justice-avoiding conflict wherever possible and reducing its damaging effects on children in particular.
This ‘principled approach’ is shared and promoted by this Divorce Manual.
The new divorce law and process removes the requirement to assign blame by allowing and encouraging you and your former partner to jointly apply to end the marriage making a statement that your marriage has irretrievably broken down, without having to rely on any evidence.
See what is written about the choice of applying in your sole name or in joint names in section 6- Q&As. Like all choices, there will be things and implications for you to think about.
This chapter is organised into the following 7 sections:
- Section 2– The divorce documents you will need to complete
- Section 3– Terminology, essential law and rules
- Section 4– 8 things you need to know before you start divorce proceedings
- Section 5– How to do your own divorce in 6 steps
- Section 6– No-fault divorce Q&As
- Section 7– Pitfalls of no-fault divorce
Have a quick look at the list of documents in section 2 to give you a sense of the whole process and forms you will need to complete.
The work then begins with section 4, the 8 things you need to know before you start divorce proceedings.
Section 5 takes you through our 6 stages of divorce process.
If you are doing your divorce online section 5 becomes less important because you will find most of the information online but still provides you with a visual map of the process, visual examples of the divorce forms with guidance notes and timeframes.
In section 6 the Divorce Manual answers a number of important questions hopefully minimising the need to pay for this information or advice.
This said, if at any stage you are not clear about any of the information in this chapter please speak to you mediator first who will refer you to a suitable solicitor to support you, if you do not already have one.
If they feel you need expert advice they will refer you to the appropriate professional (‘mediation teaming’). The aim of the Divorce Manual and your mediator is to ensure that you are fully informed and feel fully supported every step of the way.
Finally, section 7 covers some pitfalls to be aware of as you embark on the new divorce process and are well worth a read. Again, if you have any questions or require assistance speak to your mediator in the first instance.
Now on to section 2 of the divorce chapter- An overview of the documents.