In order to start divorce proceedings, the court requires the parties to have been married for at least a year.

There are exceptional circumstances where marriages can be deemed either void or voidable but these are likely to be extremely rare.

If needed, steps can be made within the first year to help parties prepare for when the 12 months has passed in order to then ensure that the divorce and any financial matters can be dealt with as smoothly and quickly as possible. For example, discussions can be had as to what should happen to the parties’ financial assets and, if agreed, a consent order could be prepared and agreed ready to be sent to the Court once it can be forwarded.

If you require any further assistance in respect of divorce or financial matters, our family solicitors are based in Wolverhampton, Cradley Heath and Sutton Coldfield and serve clients across the West Midlands. For all new enquiries, complete our online enquiry form and a member of our team will respond, or please call 01902 328 365.