When it comes to divorce, there may be some queries that most people don’t know about. Questions such as what happens to your pet and how much the divorce fee costs are probably some of the most frequently asked ones. But worry not as this article answers both those questions and more.
When choosing to file for a divorce there may be many questions whizzing around in your head that you need answered. Every situation is unique, there are a multitude of factors that contribute to the outcome of a divorce.
This is why family law solicitor Carole Nettleton offers answers to 4 commonly asked questions you may have about divorce.
What Happens to Pets?
Pets are an adorable addition to any family, but what happens to them after a divorce? Well in the UK, the law states that pets are seen as one’s property. So like a physical asset, there are several factors as to who gets to maintain ownership.
These factors include:
Who paid for the pet: like a physical asset, the person who originally purchased the pet has some sway with the final decision.
Who the pet’s main carer is: This is one of the most considered factors when it comes to who gets ownership. If you are the person who looks after the animal the most by feeding, walking, and cleaning up after them, this will increase your chances of keeping your pet with you.
Who takes care of the pets medical needs: this is an important thing to note as making sure the pet is looked after and healthy is very important. This is why the person who takes care of the pets medical concerns has an increased chance of keeping the pet with them.
Who is financially capable of taking care of the animal: Another significant factor of who gets to keep the pet is which person is financially capable of doing so. Making sure all the animals’ needs are met is a priority when it comes to the final decision.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Divorce?
A very frequently asked question is exactly how long does the divorce process take? Well there are many factors to take into consideration here. First of all, couples who cannot agree on things such as arrangements for children and the dividing of physical assets will have to be taken to court if they cannot come to an agreement by themselves. This can prolong the process of divorce by a significant amount of time.
However, in the UK the usual time it takes to finalise a divorce is around 6 months. This is because there’s a certain amount of time you have to wait between getting a conditional order and a final order (the document that ends the marriage).
How Does The Court Decide on Arrangements For Children?
There are several factors that come into consideration when it comes to this topic. The court will always put the needs of the children first and foremost, and aim to change their life as little as possible. So with that being said, factors such as who will be staying in the home the children know, and who lives closest to their school are to be considered greatly.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Divorce?
In the UK, the fee for applying for a divorce is £593. If you cannot afford this and need a divorce then worry not as there is financial aid available for those eligible.
