Can I get a ‘quickie’ divorce?

The term ‘quickie’ divorce is one that we often see in the media when celebrities choose to divorce their spouse, but, in reality there simply is no such thing.

The term comes from as long ago as 1973, when the law on divorce was streamlined so that it was no longer necessary for the husband and wife to go to court to give evidence. This saw the length of time divorce cases took slashed, and also gave rise to the term.

Now, the phrase merely relates to any divorce which proceeds undefended.

Contrary to reports by the press, no one can divorce in seconds, in fact, it is highly likely that it will take between three and six months for most couples on an uncontested basis.

In order to get a divorce, the petitioner must prove that their marriage has ‘broken down irretrievably’, and one of the following facts has to be proved to have caused this breakdown:

• Adultery
• Unreasonable behaviour
• Desertion
• Two years separation with consent
• Five years separation

You also have to be married for more than a year before any divorce proceedings can be issued.

Once these are started, there are two further stages, starting with the pronouncement of the Decree Nisi.  This is often the stage that is reported by the press when celebrities divorce as them having a ‘quickie’ divorce.

In reality, the divorce is finalised only when the couple have their Decree Absolute, and this can take at least six weeks.  After this a couple is free to go their separate ways.

If you would like to discuss this or any other family law matter, please contact Damian Baron on 01772 258321, or at damian.baron@harrison-drury.com