Family law
Finding yourself after a divorce later in life
Dealing with divorce later in life is an incredibly tough situation to be in, but you will be okay. In this article we share advice on how to navigate divorce and thrive.
We understand that getting divorced later in life can be incredibly challenging and scary, but it doesn't have to be. Being informed and properly supported means you can focus on finding yourself again after a certain way of life for so long. In this article, we share what a regular divorce process looks like and how to take the next steps after getting divorced.
What happens in the divorce process?
The divorce process can seem daunting but taking it one step at a time makes it manageable. It starts with an application where one of both spouses apply to the court to dissolve the marriage.
After you have applied and your spouse has responded to the petition, there is a mandatory 20-week reflection period. In this time, you and your ex may also exchange financial information and organise any necessary child arrangements if you have any children who are still underage.
Following this, you can apply for a conditional order. This means the court can review the case and if it is satisfied, grant the order. A conditional order is not a final divorce; it is a document that confirms that the Court does not see any reason why you cannot divorce.
After the conditional order is granted, there is a 6-week waiting period before final steps can be taken. Once these weeks have elapsed, you can apply for a final order from the courts, officially ending the marriage.
How to start over after a divorce
‘Starting over’ can feel like a monumental task, but you don't need to reinvent yourself overnight. Start small by rediscovering old hobbies or reading books you’ve been putting off. Make plans with friends and try to enjoy being present in the new life you are building. Creating new routines and focusing on selfcare can make the initial day to day easier, and in the long term you will have created habits that prioritise your peace.
It is normal to grieve the life and relationship you had, but there is a comfort to be found in a life you have built up yourself that no one can take from you, so start building it! Start saying yes, yes to new hobbies, yes to the holiday your friend suggests, yes to your new life, your way.
How can Slater and Gordon help
When changes in your life seem scary, having a legal team you know you can trust can be invaluable. Our dedicated family law experts are leaders in the field and offer compassionate advice every step of the way, so you can focus on getting to know you again. To have a conversation with a member of our team, call us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online and we'll call you.
