ABSTRACT

The Pocket Lawyer series is designed for members of the public who want 'how to' guidance in situations that would normally require expert advice.


Each title:

  • is written by experts in their field
  • contains all the information you need in one book
  • has an accessible and user-friendly layout and structure
  • is supported by a companion website providing free updates and ready-to-use documents and letters.


This book enables you to explore the options available to you when a marriage breaks down. It gives you all the information and paperwork you need, from conciliation and meditation through to separation and divorce. It provides the agreements and forms required for a mutually agreeable separation or a simple, uncontested DIY divorce. If you need to find a lawyer, Divorce and Separation will help you find one. It will also help when children are involved, offering advice on breaking the news to them and making arrangements for them.

chapter 1|2 pages

Can we work it out?

A troubled marriage

chapter |3 pages

Conciliation and counselling

chapter |1 pages

When is mediation not the answer?

chapter 2|2 pages

Is separation an option for you?

Reasons for separating

chapter |6 pages

A note on judicial separation

chapter 3|2 pages

Agreeing to separate

What should a Separation Agreement cover?

chapter |1 pages

A word on benefits

chapter |1 pages

Will you qualify for Legal Help?

chapter 4|2 pages

Separation and children

chapter 5|4 pages

Your separation questionnaire

chapter 6|2 pages

Draft Separation Agreement

chapter |1 pages

Separation Agreement

chapter |5 pages

Operative provisions

chapter 7|1 pages

You and your solicitor

chapter |2 pages

Shopping around

chapter |3 pages

Your first interview

chapter 8|6 pages

Emergencies: domestic violence

chapter 9|3 pages

Emergencies: going to court

See a solicitor

chapter |2 pages

Ex parte – no notice

chapter |1 pages

Interlude: if you are the violent one

chapter 10|6 pages

Legal help and public funding

chapter 11|3 pages

Divorce: how do I get one?

I want it to be final – how do I get a divorce?

chapter |1 pages

A path through the maze – stage 1

PostScript Picture CSD chpt11.1 diag.eps

chapter |1 pages

A path through the maze – stage 2

PostScript Picture CSD chpt11.2 diag.eps

chapter |1 pages

A path through the maze – stage 3

PostScript Picture CSD chpt11.3 diag.eps

chapter |4 pages

Tackling the paperwork

chapter 12|1 pages

Filling in the petition

‘Behaviour’ petition

chapter |1 pages

Principal Registry

part |2 pages

Section 2

chapter |3 pages

Section 5

chapter |4 pages

Section 11

chapter |3 pages

‘Adultery’ petition

chapter |2 pages

‘Five years’ separation’ petition

Section 10

chapter 13|2 pages

Filling in the Statement of Arrangements for Children

What is a child?

chapter |2 pages

Not in agreement?

chapter 14|4 pages

If you are the Respondent

chapter |2 pages

Question 5 onwards

chapter 15|4 pages

The next stages

chapter |2 pages

Make your will!

chapter 16|8 pages

Dividing the spoils

chapter 17|1 pages

The family home: safeguarding your rights

chapter |1 pages

Rented homes

chapter |1 pages

In one spouse’s sole name

chapter |4 pages

Enter the Land Registry

chapter 10|4 pages

ants in common

chapter 18|4 pages

Managing stress

chapter 19|4 pages

Children

chapter 20|1 pages

Some real life ‘behaviour’ particulars

chapter |3 pages

Financial mismanagement

chapter |4 pages

Neglect of children and family life

chapter |8 pages

Useful forms

Statement of Arrangements for Children

chapter |1 pages

Client care letter

chapter |1 pages

Certificate of Entitlement to a Decree

chapter |1 pages

Sample of Decree Nisi (behaviour)

chapter |1 pages

Application for Directions for Trial

chapter |4 pages

Affidavit

chapter |2 pages

Sample of Decree Absolute

chapter |1 pages

Sample letters

Letter to court enclosing divorce petition

chapter |1 pages

Useful contacts

Replacement marriage certificates The Registrar General

chapter |1 pages

Housing and property matters

Land Registry

chapter |1 pages

Council of Mortgage Lenders

Finding a solicitor in your area

chapter |2 pages

Community Legal Services

Department for Work and Pensions

chapter |2 pages

Child Support Agency

chapter |1 pages

Marriage guidance, mediation and other counselling

Relate

chapter |1 pages

Websites reached via the Relate website

National Family Mediation (NFM)

chapter |1 pages

Asian Family Counselling Service