How to Have a Hassle-free Divorce

The Legal Angle

We are no more in the early days of divorce, when a separation was much more costly, precisely because it was much more rare too, and an immense legal hassle. The law tries to upgrade itself, reflecting the passage of time and the change it brings about in a society. Some legal shortcuts are given below:

• You can always go for the internet divorce or the DIY packages that are so readily available now. Tesco is also selling packets on divorce in its supermarket chain. These are being touted mainly as a substitute to a lawyer. Whether that is the case or not depends solely on your particular situation. If you have a divorce that does not have too many complications in the matter of property, child custody, or monetary matters, then you may not really need a lawyer, in which case the DIY is not such a bad idea after all. It will not only bring down costs to a fraction, but also cut down heavily on the hassles and will save immense time.



• There are many partners who are actually the text book cases of two good people who are simply not made for each other. There are also others who hate each other cordially, but need to go through their divorce as quietly as possible as they just do not have enough money to fight it out to the bitter end. Either way, the partners may reach an agreement among themselves as to how their property and monies may be divided, who will pay how much maintenance to whom and how, what is to be done with personal property like the car, the computer, furniture etc. The next best step is to draw up this agreement formally in legal terms as a separation agreement, stating everything clearly.



• Things may be great for the time being, but do you have nagging doubts about the continuing goodwill in the future? This is the time for action then. Seal the terms and conditions of your divorce legally by obtaining a consent order. This piece of paper will stop any changes from being forced into the agreement in future, even by a third party, and if any of the spouses does not follow it, or flout it, or ignore it, then punitive steps will be taken against the defaulter.



• Thrash out every detail of child custody, visitation, and maintenance on paper, and get it all stamped and sealed. Remember this is the greatest area of conflict in divorces all over the UK, and you dont want to be another piece of statistic.



• Definitely, review and draw up new wills if you want to avoid hassles in the future. You might get an unpleasant shock when your ex gets a share of your lottery wins legally, or children you never had turn up for their share of the house you always lived in. Once again, DIY and simplified internet packages are available for this.

The Financial Angle

It is very important to plan a divorce. If you want to avoid hassles, sit down with the notebook and pen and even if it is distasteful, chalk out the details of possible divorce expenses. Do not forget to count the time you might have to spend away from work, and you know that even sympathetic bosses cannot pay you for a salaried divorce leave. Also, take into account relocation costs, added charges if you are going to take care of the children all alone now, all bills that you have to shoulder alone, costs for the car and house.