• 0161 696 6193
  • Request a callback
Stephensons Solicitors LLP Banner Image

Grounds for divorce

Divorce simply put means bringing a marriage to an end. A marriage is not ended until a Decree Absolute is granted by the Court. The pronouncement of a Decree Absolute cancels all legal duties and responsibilities of the marriage. Divorce essentially ends the legal contract of marriage. 

The divorce process does not include making final arrangements for children or financial settlements. Although often very relevant to a separating couple, these arrangements are in addition to the divorce itself and can be dealt with either by agreement or by applications to Court if agreements cannot be reached. 

What is the ‘ground’ for divorce?

There is only one ground for divorce and that is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. However the person applying for the divorce must choose one of five facts to prove that the relationship has broken down.

What are the five facts?

A partner has had voluntary sexual intercourse with a member of the opposite sex and it is intolerable to live with them any longer.  This is known as adultery  

A partner has behaved in such a way that a person cannot be reasonably expected to live with them any longer.  This is known as unreasonable behaviour

A person has been deserted by their partner for a period of 2 years.  This is known as desertion 

A couple have lived apart for at least 2 years immediately preceding the divorce and there is consent to the divorce being granted.  This is known as 2 years separation with consent

A couple have lived apart for at least 5 years immediately preceding the divorce and for this, no consent is required. This is known as 5 years separation

If you are considering beginning divorce proceedings please speak to one of our legal experts on 01616 966 229 or complete our online enquiry form and a member of the team will contact you directly.

loading staff

loading staff

How can I stop my ex removing our children from my care or changing their school?

It is not unusual for disputes to arise with an ex-partner after a relationship comes to an end and sometimes these disputes may be over an issue concerning your child. You may find that when your relationship comes to an end your ex-partner wishes to...

Read more

Divorce numbers lowest since 1971 in England & Wales

These figures from the ONS stem from 2022, leaning out of the pandemic and into a cost-of-living crisis. We know that financial pressures and income concerns have led to many couples delaying the divorce process. What was once a reason to get to...

Read more

Family reorder

  • Victoria Gethin
  • Emma Roberts​​
  • Tim Galbraith
  • ​​Gwyneth John​
  • Jackie Price​​
  • Rachel Benett
  • Amy Jones
  • Lauren Day
  • Kath Geere​​
  • Nicola Clayton
  • Bethany Corday
  • Catherine Gaskell​
  • Stephen Jones
  • Victoria Melluish
  • Benjamin Armstrong
  • Lorraine Baldwin
  • Jack Chapman​
  • Claire Pilling
  • Nicola Horrocks
  • Catherine Hudson
  • Jessica Macaulay
  • Meerab Mazhar