Relationship Breakdown.

When a relationship breaks down , we can help you sort out important issues including those affecting your children and your finances.

One of the main advantages of M J Thompsons is that it puts couples who choose to make this commitment to each other on the same legal footing as married couples - all other couples who live together outside of marriage and M J Thompsons have little legal protection if things go wrong

Divorce

If you have decided that the differences are such that your marriage is no longer sustainable, we can provide the legal advice and support you need to gain a divorce or a legal separation.

Sadly, every year 150,000 marriages end in divorce . The legal process of ending a marriage can impact on every family member. We try to help separating couples settle their differences in a way which avoids long and divisive arguments and promotes co-operation between parents in decisions concerning children.

If you are having marriage problems, you should first consider seeking help from a trained relationship counsellor, but if you decide to divorce, we can advise you and guide you through the process.

Click here to find your nearest Relate counsellor.

To get a , you must have been married for more than a year and your marriage must have broken down for one of these reasons:

Your spouse has committed adultery and you find it intolerable to live together
Your spouse has behaved in such a way that you cannot reasonably be expected to live together
You have been separated for 2 years and your spouse agrees to divorce ;
You have been separated for 5 years
Your spouse deserted you more than 2 years ago.
The divorce process is in two stages - a 'Decree Nisi' and a 'Decree Absolute'.
A Decree Nisi is an interim stage, granted by the court when the ground for divorce is established. After a period of time, it can be converted into a Decree Absolute, which marks the end of the marriage. This will not normally happen until arrangements for any children and financial matters are agreed. You can stop the process at any time before the Decree Absolute is issued.

If you have children, you must provide their names and dates of birth, where they are living, which schools they attend and what arrangements have been made for their care. You will also need to settle financial matters relating to the family home, maintenance, pensions, and any savings and investments - what is called 'ancillary relief' in law.

How long it takes to get a divorce will vary according to the complexity of each case and the practice of the particular court. Even the most straightforward divorces will take between four and six months.

Domestic Violence

Sometimes relationships turn violent, and you or your children are being threatened by a violent partner or former partner. At the time of any incident of serious threat or physical attack, you should always call the police by dialling 999. Most police forces have specially trained domestic violence officers, and you can ask to see a woman officer if you choose.

Where you are worried about a possible attack, you need to act quickly. We can help you to get a court order to prevent a violent partner or ex-partner from abusing you or your children, or to keep them from your home.

Mediation Services

Mediation can be a useful way of resolving issues related to a divorce or separation without involving the courts, and in a non-adversarial way. Before you can get legal aid for such cases, you will need to first to have tried mediation.