Life after divorce: what comes next?

With the broadest set of criteria, unreasonable behaviour is the most common grounds for divorce in the UK. For example, unreasonable behaviour could cover illegal activity, reckless behaviour and physical/ emotional abuse. The Petitioner essentially needs to show that living with their spouse has become unbearable due to their behaviour.

Unreasonable behaviour has no set list of examples. It is the main “fault” form of divorce, where the Petitioner needs to explain what the unreasonable actions of the Respondent were during the relationship.

If you have taken your partner’s surname during your marriage, you can change it back to your maiden name by completing a Statutory Declaration of Name Change. You can also use a deed poll to change your name on official documents such as passports, driving licenses and bank accounts.

In England and Wales, you can change a child under the age of 16’s name by completing a deed poll. Anyone who has parental responsibility for the child must agree to the name change before it can be accepted.

Your life after divorce will be open to new opportunities and changes.

For example, you may want to consider what will happen if you choose to re-marry. Re-marrying after your divorce is finalised is generally a simple process. However, it can be slightly more difficult if you and your ex-partner have children. You’ll need to consider how you will continue your child arrangements and how your ex-partner will feel about integrating your children into your new life.

You’ll also need to consider any other agreements you’ve made in the past which could affect your future, such as agreements with property and finances (and what to do if either of your financial situations change dramatically).

There may be an instance where you have an existing financial or child arrangement order, and over time these orders are no longer accurate, and so you may need to consider having them re-drafted. If your partner’s financial situation improves after the divorce is finalised, you can apply to the court’s to see if you can claim a reduction in maintenance costs.