Checklist for changing name after divorce.

To change your name after divorce you will need originals of your birth and marriage certificate, and the Final Divorce order. If you are changing your name to a different name prior to your marriage, you will need to obtain a Deed Poll.

Once you have changed your name you will need to inform your bank, pension provider, local council, HMRC, Passport Office, DVLA and the NHS of your new name post divorce.

What is a managed divorce?

A managed divorce is a significantly less expensive way to end a marriage or civil partnership that offers legal assistance from experienced professionals, at a significantly lower cost compared to solicitors. A managed divorce includes the drafting of all legal documents and expert guidance throughout the entire divorce or dissolution process at a fixed cost.

The benefits of a managed divorce are reduced stress as everything is professionally prepared for you, peace of mind, and simplicity.

Solo parent vs single parent – what is the difference?

A solo parent refers to a situation where a person is solely responsible for the upbringing of their child or children without any involvement from the other parent.

A single parent in contrast, involves raising a child without the other parent living in the same household, however they may still receive practical, emotional, or financial support from the other parent.

Can I get help with court fees?

There are several options available to get help with court fees for a divorce or dissolution depending on your financial situation. If you qualify, you may either receive a discount on the court fees, or you will receive the court fees for free. 

Eligibility depends on whether you are on a low income, receive certain benefits, or have little or no savings. An application for help with court fees should be made at the same time as submitting the court application and can be made online through the Gov.uk website or by completing a form EX160.

Do I need house valuations for divorce?

Understanding the true value of a major asset is crucial for the fair division of assets, and a transparent settlement process. Having an accurate valuation helps you decide whether buying out your ex-spouse’s share or selling the property is the best option. 

The three main ways to obtain a house valuation are as follows.

The most accurate and reliable method is to instruct a Chartered Surveyor to carry out an independent, formal valuation. This is the recommended option when the parties cannot agree on a value, as a formal valuation will usually be accepted by the courts as the true value of the property.

A less formal method is to obtain several estimates from multiple estate agents who can provide an average and general idea of a property’s value.

A less reliable option is to carry out online research using property websites and online valuation tools who can provide rough estimates of value.

What is the remarriage trap?

The remarriage trap is a legal “trap” that prevents a divorced person who has remarried (without first finalising a financial settlement), from being allowed to make financial claims against their ex. Falling into the remarriage trap can mean a loss of rights to claim a share of the family home, lump sums from investments, spousal maintenance, or other assets from the previous marriage.

The best way to avoid falling into the remarriage trap is to finalise all financial matters with your ex-spouse before remarrying by obtaining a court approved order.

What is a Mesher order?

A Mesher order is an order which delays the sale of the family home until an event occurs which triggers a sale. The usual trigger events are a child reaching a certain age (normally 18) or completing their education, or the death or remarriage of the occupying spouse.

The purpose of a Mesher order is to provide stability for children and their primary carer by allowing them to remain in the family home for a set period. It also provides a solution where an immediate sale is not feasible or desirable, such as where the property is in negative equity.

During the Mesher order the property remains in the couple’s joint names, with their respective shares defined in the order. The person living at the property is usually responsible for paying the mortgage, bills, and maintenance costs of the property.

What is arbitration in divorce?

Arbitration is an alternative and private method of non-court dispute resolution that allows couples going through a divorce or dissolution to resolve issues outside of court. Both parties agree to appoint a neutral third party to make a binding decision on their case.The arbitrator hears evidence from both sides and makes a final decision that is legally binding, similar to a court judgment.

Arbitration is a faster, more flexible, and cost-effective alternative to court proceedings for resolving financial, property division, and child arrangement disputes.

What is a periodical payments order?

A Periodical Payments Order (also known as spousal maintenance), are regular payments made by one party to a former spouse or civil partner for a specified period of time.

The main purpose of a periodical payments order is to provide ongoing financial support to a financially dependent and weaker party after divorce or dissolution. Payments are usually made on a weekly or monthly basis and are for a specific period of time.

Payments automatically end upon the recipient’s remarriage, or upon either party’s death.

What is the cost of a prenuptial agreement?

The cost of a prenuptial agreement in the UK can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the financial circumstances and assets involved. Several factors can influence the cost of a prenuptial agreement including the value of the assets involved, and whether expert advice is required from a third party such as a financial or pension expert.

For certainty as to costs, we provide fixed fee packages for prenuptial agreements. For many, the cost of a prenuptial agreement is considered an investment compared to the cost of a potential court battle upon divorce.

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The Family Law Specialists is the trading name of The Family Law Specialists Limited, a private limited company registered in England & Wales under company number 15318261 with the registered office at, 128 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX. We do not accept service of proceedings. © The Family Law Specialists. All rights reserved.

This website is not intended to offer legal advice so do not act upon any of its content without taking specific advice.

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