Alderley Edge legal practice, McAlister Family Law, reduces divorce fee ahead of the incoming ‘no-fault divorce’ reform
Alderley Edge-based legal practice, McAlister Family Law, has significantly reduced its fixed divorce fee prior to the incoming “no-fault divorce” reform on 6 April.
In April, there is to be a reform to the law across the UK on the breakdown of marriages for the first time since 1973. Splitting couples will no longer need to evidence the ‘irretrievable breakdown’ of the marriage but can, instead, simply provide a statement to the court to say that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. Couples will also be able to jointly petition for divorce for the first time. The new law is due to come into place on 6 April 2022.
In reaction to the new reform, McAlister Family Law has announced it is reducing its petitioner fixed fee divorce from £750 to £500 plus the court fee. The practice is reducing the fee now so clients can access advice as soon as possible and be ready to present their divorce petition to the court on 6 April.
What will the no fault divorce law mean for me?
Practitioners and campaigners have been calling for no-fault divorce for many years and it is set to soon become a reality, but what does it actually mean and what are the consequences?
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McAlister Family law is a huge advocate of respectful divorce. Divorce is painful enough as it is and there should be no legal barriers for couples who aspire to keep things amicable – for the sake of both themselves and any children they may have.
To counter accusations that the reform is endorsing a ‘quicky divorce,’ a minimum timeframe of 20 weeks from the application being made to the divorce being granted will be introduced. This is called a ‘period of reflection’ and is designed to give couples the chance to consider their differences and resolve issues before proceeding to a divorce.
As well as reducing its fixed divorce fee, McAlister Family Law will also be extending its opening hours and offering appointments between 5pm and 7pm Monday – Friday to aid the increase in enquiries and help support couples that may need advice before, during and after the reform comes into play.
If you are thinking about divorce and want to discuss your options, including whether waiting for the new rules to come into force, please do not hesitate to contact us on hello@mcalisterfamilylaw.co.uk