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Marriage Over and the Honeymoon Hardly Begun

Sadly, as was recently seen with Renee Zellwegger, marriages lasting less than one year are not unknown.  Nottingham couples need to know where they stand if love breaks down within the first year of their vows. 

“Couples in England have no automatic right to divorce in the first year of their marriage” says Family Solicitor, Sarah Perkins.  Statistics are now showing that marriage break down is on the increase and is happening earlier.  If this happens, it is important to get good legal advice.

“It really can be difficult for someone who finds their marriage has collapsed so soon. They need to look to protect their legal rights as soon as possible.” 
 

Sarah says that even though Divorce is a non-starter within the first year of marriage, there are other legal ways to get protection.  “Often there are children’s’ interests to protect, or there may be family money or assets that need to be safeguarded.  Couples can find the sort of protection they need amicably through Separation Agreements, without the need to go to court.  If agreement can’t be reached, the courts can make an order for Judicial Separation.  This will give the couple all the protection they need without the formal order of a divorce”

Sarah, at Andersons solicitors in Nottingham, says that sometimes it is possible to have the marriage annulled, which means the court will treat the marriage as though it never existed.  “This is not that common” adds Sarah, “but there are many examples of Nottingham marriages being annulled.”

“Nothing will compensate for the heartache of a marriage breaking down, but at least separated couples who can’t yet resolve their differences by applying for a divorce, can at least be reassured that there are other legal avenues available to them”

For further information contact Sarah Perkins , Tel 0115 988 6718, e-mail Sarah Perkins

Sarah Perkins is head of The Family Law Department at Nottingham Firm Andersons Solicitors and can be contacted by phoning 0115 9470641 or emailing Sarah Perkins

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