1. Length of marriage
The most basic but important consideration is that you must have been married for at least one year before you can end a marriage or civil partnership.
You are able to separate within a year of the marriage, but you cannot begin formal divorce/dissolution proceedings until your first anniversary has passed.
2. Safety first
Regardless of the length of the marriage, you must ensure that you, or any children, are not at risk of any harm arising from the separation.
If there has been domestic abuse during the relationship, or your former partner is displaying signs of violent or dangerous behaviour, then you should consider contacting the police and your local domestic abuse service.
Our family solicitors can assist by helping you to apply to the court for a non-molestation order (to prevent your former partner from molesting or threatening you or any children) or an occupation order (to grant you the right to remain in the home and exclude your ex-partner from an area around the home).
There are also several organisations available, for both men and women, who provide support and assistance to those experiencing domestic abuse:
- TDAS - 0161 872 7368
- Refuge – 0808 2000 247 open 24 hours a day. Live chat is open Monday-Friday between 3pm and 10pm;
- Women’s Aid or Men’s Aid;
- ManKind Initiative – 01823 334244 open Mon-Fri 10am to 4pm
