Can we still get divorced during the Coronavirus Crisis?
Yes, you can start the divorce process at the moment, either online or using paper court forms. There may be delays in processing a new petition because of the crisis.
The mean average time from issuing a divorce petition to receiving a decree absolute is currently 57 weeks. You can read more in the most recent HMCTS statistics here. The delay in processing times is unlikely to improve.
We offer fixed fee divorces, please contact us to find out more.
Our firm is still fully operational and continuting to offer a full service to our clients. Read more here.
Are the family courts still open?
Yes, The Family Court remains open during the Coronavirus pandemic. However, the majority of court hearings have now moved out of the courtroom, and are now taking place remotely.
You can read more here. We can act on your behalf in these remote hearings and / or arrange for a barrister to appear for you.
Can I move out of the marital home during the lockdown?
Yes, you can move out of your family home.
Regulation 6 of the The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 states no person may leave the place where they live without a reasonable excuse.
The Police have issued recent guidance which confirms that:
The Regulations allow people to move house. This means that individuals can move between households. But this should be a genuine move (ie,measured in days, not hours).
This would include moving to a friend’s address for several days to allow a ‘cooling-off’ following arguments at home.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, it may not be safe for you to remain living in your family home during the lockdown. The Government has confirmed that domestic abuse victims are exempt from the Stay at Home rules. You can read more here.
Find out more
Visit our Coronavirus COVID-19 Family Law Resource Centre to get free and recently updated knowledge relating to family law issues in the current crisis.
