The Petition
All divorce Petitions follow a standard format, containing information about the marriage, children, grounds for divorce and financial claims being made. In behaviour cases, there must also be a separate sheet setting out details of the allegations of behaviour, which can be a sensitive document to prepare, and which we shall go through carefully with you.
Defending a Divorce
Truly defended divorces are extremely rare, and Legal Aid is almost never granted to defend a divorce, on the grounds that 'it takes both parties to make a marriage work'. There is no facility for simply 'having your say' and usually when the Respondent defends by filing an "Answer" and/or "Cross-Petition" (for which there is a strict timetable) the issues are resolved by negotiation. The Court encourages this by fixing a Mediation Appointment with the District Judge for the parties and their lawyers to attend and sort it out.