Joint or individual application process

[stonebraker]

Hi,

I am currently in the process of starting the application for divorce. I am considering going down the individual/sole application process.

If any of you have opted for this option can you please give me some insights into the pros and cons?

I would like it understand which process is faster. Are there things I should be extra cautious about and where can my STBEXH cause delays or problems?

Thank you for taking time to reply x

I applied for the first part of the divorce last week - joint application

It's my understanding that there is materially no difference between the process for a sole application vs a joint one. It's just with the whole no fault divorce system doing a joint application is supposed to foster amicability between the parties? You can change it to become a sole application if for whatever reason relations break down but you can't change a sole application to a joint one

My understanding is speed is same dependant on which court you use. Some courts are much slower than others but you won’t get chance to choose. Single or joint has no bearing on this time. The minimum time under new rules is now 26 weeks weeks(the 20 week cooling off before “conditional “ and then the 6 weeks between conditional and final- that bit hasn’t changed, it’s the min 20 weeks which is potentially longer than old “ blame” quickie divorces)

I divorced in 2021and it took exactly 11 weeks - I was lucky with courts, and we both worked hard to keep it amicable and cooperative. Unfortunately no one can get divorced that quickly now

The single biggest thing affecting timelines has nothing to do with the courts. It has to do with how you and your Stbex cooperate and work together. How much you do yourselves vs going to solicitors for everything, using mediation. All those things will slow it down, and every hour of a solicitors time will cost each of you £200 +, plus you’ll end up more stressed .

Use link in MN note above to Advice Now sites to learn how to make the process as quick, cheap and stress free as possible.

@20weeksandcounting2023 @Newlifestartingatlast
Thank you for your replies! That was my understanding as well.

I am hoping for it to be mostly smooth but Stbex may cause delays to keep us at home for as long as possible (in case I change my mind). Because I have changed my mind in the past when things cool down a bit after some time.

I have made a individual/sole application and hoping for the best outcome. I'll take a look at the suggested material as well so I am well prepared. Really appreciate your help.