Family Justice Council launches guide on divorce for litigants in person
The Family Justice Council has launched a new financial guide to help people going through a divorce without a lawyer.
Available online from the Judiciary website and Gov.uk, '
Sorting Out Finances on Divorce' is intended to demystify what is a complex area of law which many litigants in person may find intimidating.
It provides a succinct summary of the law to help those who cannot afford legal advice to reach financial agreements without the need to go to court. The guidance is specifically aimed at non-legal readers and its primary purpose is to provide a road map through what is often, for many, uncharted territory. It applies to marriages and civil partnerships.
Sir James Munby, President of the Family Division and Chair of the Family Justice Council, said:
'The objective in all cases is to achieve a result which reflects the best possible outcome for each family. In this context, the guide provides a general overview of the law, as well as a detailed explanation of particular issues which are likely to arise, such as maintenance, housing and pensions. It also includes useful examples and FAQs, and describes what a judge is likely to do in similar cases.'
The guide is a response to the Law Commission's recommendation in its
2014 report on Matrimonial Property, Needs and Agreements for the need for greater charity regarding the distribution of assets and the determination of financial needs on divorce and civil partnership dissolution.
It follows a shorter, plain English version of the 'Sorting Out Finances on Divorce' guide designed and hosted by the charity
AdviceNow.
The financial guide '
Sorting Out Finances on Divorce' is available to download
here.
